Only In America
Up from the Projects: An Autobiography
by Walter E. Williams
Nationally syndicated columnist and prolific author Walter E. Williams recalls some of the highlights and turning points of his life. From his lower middle class beginnings in a mixed but predominantly black neighborhood in West Philadelphia to his department chair at George Mason University, Williams tells an “only in America” story of a life of achievement.
Williams describes the influences of his early years—such as the teachers who demanded his best efforts and made no excuses for him—and tells how his two years in the army became an important part of his maturation process, in spite of the racism he encountered. He recounts his early time getting established in Los Angeles—getting his B.A., going on to grad school at UCLA, and beginning his teaching career. And he tells how his subsequent move to the Urban Institute in Washington opened his eyes to how decisions are really made in D.C.
When he recounts ultimately accepting his professorship appointment at George Mason University, the author marvels that “I never thought I’d be working there thirty years later.” And throughout the book, Willams refers to the immeasurable contribution of his wife of 48 years, who shared his vision through hard work and love.
- Simply Wonderful!
Advice & opinion on everyday issues by Mrs Figgins with common sense & good old-fashioned-values!
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December 12, 2010
- A True Winner!
Editorial Review:
Winners Never Cheat
by Jon M. Huntsman
In his book Winners Never Cheat, Mr. Huntsman shares the principled he has followed throughout his lifetime, and how business can return to the days when your word was your bond, a handshake was sacred, and swarms of lawyers weren’t needed to back it up.
About the Author:
Jon M. Huntsman is the chairman and founder of Huntsman Corp., the world’s largest privately held chemical company.
He built a world-class business from nothing and went to Forbes’ list of America’s wealthiest people.
FROM THE BACK COVER:
Author royalties from this book go to the Huntsman Cancer Foundation
“The way Jon conducts his business and lives his life will not only inspire you to be a better person, citizen, and entrepreneur, it also will give you hope that the good guys don’t finish last.” Glenn Beck
“Jon Huntsman is a different breed. He believes business is a creative endeavor, similar to a theater production, wherein integrity must be the central character.” Larry King, CNN
“Jon Huntsman’s own life and personal values lend credence to his words. He walks his ethical talk.” Neil Cavuto, Fox News
“This book could put me out of business. Nobody would be happier about it than me.” Wayne Reaud, Trial Attorney
The nationwide bestseller–fully updated for today’s tough times and worldwide financial crises “Everyone does it.” Everyone cheats. Cuts corners. Tells lies. Maybe it was different once. Not today. If you want to succeed in this economic climate, you simply have to make compromises. Right? Wrong. You can succeed at the highest levels, without sacrificing the principles that make life worth living. The proof? You’re holding it.
Jon M. Huntsman built a $12 billion company from scratch, the old-fashioned way: with integrity. There were short-term costs and difficult decisions. There were tough times. Times just like today. But ultimately, leading with integrity wasn’t just personally right for Huntsman, it also proved to be the best business strategy.
In Winners Never Cheat, Huntsman tells you how he did it, and how you can, too. This book is about remembering why you work, and why you were chosen to lead. It’s about finding the bravery to act on what you know is right, no matter what you’re up against.
It’s about winning. The right way.
Think about the kind of person you want to do business with. Then, be that person–and use this book to get you there.”
- Simply Wonderful!
Advice & opinion on everyday issues by Mrs Figgins with common sense & good old-fashioned-values!
Favorite Finds,How To,Relationships,advice
October 19, 2010
- We Hold These Truths
Heritage Foundation Editorial Review:
How can we get America back on course?
By returning to the timeless principles and practical wisdom that have been the source of America’s monumental success.
By knowing and believing in ten core principles that define us as a nation and inspire us as a people—liberty and equality, natural rights and the consent of the governed, private property and religious freedom, the rule of law and constitutionalism, all culminating in self-government at home and independence in the world.
Welcome to We Still Hold These Truths.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Matthew Spalding is the director of the B. Kenneth Simon Center for American Studies at The Heritage Foundation. An expert on political history, constitutionalism, and religious liberty in America, he is the executive editor of the bestselling book The Heritage Guide to the Constitution and the author or editor of three other works. Spalding, who holds a Ph.D. in government from the Claremont Graduate School, lives with his family in northern Virginia.
Simply Wonderful!
Advice & opinion on everyday issues by Mrs Figgins with common sense & good old-fashioned-values!
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October 6, 2010
- Favorite Recipe!
Dear Mrs. Figgins:
I wanted to share my husbands favorite turkey meatloaf recipe.
I hope your readers enjoy it too!
Jan Guitierez, AZ
Dear Jan:
This is a delicious recipe that everyone is sure to enjoy.
Thank You for sharing it! Here it is!
Mrs. Figgins
Best Turkey Meat Loaf
- Turkey Meatloaf!
Ingredients
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Vegetable cooking spray
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1/2 cup plain bread crumbs
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1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
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1/4 cup chopped garlic herb-marinated sun-dried tomatoes
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2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
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2 eggs, lightly beaten
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3 tablespoons whole milk
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1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
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1 1/2 teaspoons salt (recommended Kosher)
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1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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1 pound ground turkey
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Place an oven rack in the center of the oven.
Spray a 9 by 5-inch loaf pan with vegetable cooking spray.
In a large bowl: stir together the bread crumbs, parsley, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, if using, eggs, milk, feta, salt, and pepper.
Add the turkey and gently stir to combine. Do not overwork the meat.
Pack the meat mixture into the prepared pan.
Bake 1 hour or until thermometer inserted into center registers 170°. Let meatloaf stand 5 minutes before serving.
Remove from the oven, wait 5 minutes. Slice, serve and enjoy!
Advice & opinion on everyday issues by Mrs Figgins with common sense & good old-fashioned-values!
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September 12, 2010
Mrs. Figgins Favorite Spots!
Coming Soon!
Mrs. Figgins shares her favorite spots around the world from the affordable to the extraordinary.
You won’t want to miss this!
Favorite Finds,More Finds,Travel Finds
September 4, 2010
Informal Table Setting Ideas
Table Setting Etiquette:
For many sitting in front of endless cutlery and glassware at a dinner table, (especially at formal functions) is intimidating! Which pieces belong to whom? Which fork do I pick up first? Is this glass mine or the person next to me?
Don’t fret! Just familiarize yourself with the basics and the rest will fall into place.
Here are a few simple tips will help you with formal or informal table setting etiquette.
Cutlery: GOLDEN RULE: ALWAYS work from the “outside, in”
Informal Entertaining
Dinner plate: This is the first thing to be set on the table, and may serve as your guide to placement..
Napkin: The napkin may be folded or put in a napkin ring and placed either to the left of the forks or on the center of the dinner plate. You may instead choose to place a folded napkin under the forks, if that is your preference..
1-2 Knives: Always to the right, and forks are always to the left.
2 Forks: Place the forks to the left of the plate.. The larger of the two forks, the “dinner fork” is used for the main course; the smaller fork is used for the salad or appetizer. The forks are arranged according to when you will need to use them. Therefore, if the small fork is needed for an appetizer or a salad served before the main course, then it is placed on the left (outside) of the dinner fork. Or, if the salad is served after the main course, then the small fork is placed to the right (inside) of the dinner fork, and next to the plate.
1 Dinner knife: The dinner knife is set immediately to the right of the plate. Make sure the “cutting” edge faces inward, toward the plate. If the main course is meat, a steak knife can take the place of the dinner knife. At an informal meal, the dinner knife may be used for all courses. Only clean silverware should be placed on the table. No exceptions!
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The soup spoon, if needed, will always be on the extreme right if being served as a first course, or second in from the right if being served as a second course.
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Dessert cutlery will always be at the top of the place setting with the fork facing right and the spoon positioned above this with the bowl facing left.
2 Spoons: Spoons go to the right of the knife. If the soup is being served first, the soupspoon should be set to the far (outside) right of the dinner knife.
The teaspoon or dessert spoon, which will be used last, goes to the left (inside) of the soupspoon, next to the dinner knife.
2 Glasses: Drinking glasses of any kind – water, wine (juice or tea) – are placed at the top right of the dinner plate, above the knives and spoons.
Depending on how many different wines are being served, they will normally be positioned above the knives. They should be placed with the water glass to the extreme left, and then followed in the order for which they will be used, working from left to right. For example:
Water – Champagne – White Wine- Red Wine – Dessert Wine
Optional Dishes and Utensils: Depending on what is being served, other dishes and utensils are optional. The following may or may not be included:
Salad plate: Should be placed to the left of the forks..
Bread plate with butter knife: If used, the bread plate goes above the forks, with the butter knife placed diagonally across the edge of plate. The handle should be on the right side with the blade facing down.
Dessert spoon and fork: May be placed either beside the plate or horizontally above the dinner plate (the spoon on top with its handle facing to the right; the fork below with its handle facing left). If placed beside the plate, the fork goes on the left side, closest to the plate (because it will be the last fork used) and the spoon goes on the right side of the plate, to the right of the dinner knife and to the left of the soupspoon.
Coffee cup and saucer: The coffee cup and saucer are may be placed above and to the right of the knife and spoons. At home, it is common to serve coffee after the meal. Cups and saucers are brought to the table and placed above and to the right of the knife and spoons.
Business Etiquette,Etiquette,Favorite Finds,How To
Accept? Decline?
Accepting (or Declining) Social Invitations:
- Be timely when responding to an invitation. A good rule is to respond within 4-5 days.
- Dress according to the dress suggestions on the invitation. If you’re not certain, don’t be shy to ask.
- Be punctual. Any more than 15 minutes is considered rude. Don’t show up before the requested time of arrival.
- If the invitation does not specify that you may bring a guest, always check with you’re your host first.
- It is most gracious to take along a hostess gift. Chocolates, Wine or Champagne is most appropriate and appreciated. For extra special occasions a personalized gift is a sure hit and will always be remembered. See Mrs. Figgins list of favorite finds!
Etiquette,Favorite Finds,How To,More Finds
June 18, 2010
What's the Answer?
Mrs. Figgins Trivia Question!
Question:
Who wrote the wedding march “Here Comes The Bride”?
A: Richard Rogers
B: Neil Sedaka
C: Mozart
D: Richard Wagner
Answer:
The ‘Here Comes The Bride’ wedding march is by Richard Wagner, from the opera Lohengrin.
There are other wedding marches by Bach, Mendelssohn and Handel.
Advice & opinion on everyday issues by Mrs Figgins with common sense & good old-fashioned-values!
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