The playing field of most sports are rectangles, including a football field, a soccer field, a basketball court and tennis courts. So how come the playing field of baseball is a Diamond?
The basic definition for the Baseball Diamond describes the surface on which the game of baseball is played. It is the infield square formed by home, first, second and third bases.
A baseball diamond is actually a square. It only looks like a diamond if you look at it from behind home plate or any of the bases. The distance between each base is equal, with four 90-degree angles and having 90 feet between each base.
A baseball “Diamond” is really a square turned on its side!
Baseball’s Playing Field
Baseball is unique in the world of sports. In addition to having a different shaped playing area, it is the only sport with no time limit. Whereas, football has four 15-minute quarters, soccer has two 45-minute halves, basketball has four 12-minute quarters (NBA), and hockey has three 20-minute periods (plus two 17-minute intermissions), baseball, on the other hand, has 9 innings with no set time limit. Each inning continues until the team at bat incurs three outs, however long it takes. And, if the game is tied after the end of the ninth inning, an unlimited number of innings is played until a winner is declared.
More ‘Diamond’ Terms in Baseball
In addition to baseball’s playing field being called a ‘Diamond’, the term is attached to a couple other areas of the game.
During the 1930s, ballplayers were called diamond artists or diamondeers. The fans were known as diamond bugs.
Summary
So, the next time you go to a stadium to watch a baseball game (or view it on television), take the time to notice how the playing field appears from the stands or from the angle of the TV camera as the batter looks out toward the pitcher. You will see how it looks like a ‘Diamond”.
For more Baseball Reviews, check out ReviewThisReviews: Baseball
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
One of the dictionary definitions for the word ‘Cornucopia’ describes it as “an abundant supply of good things of a specified kind.” In this review, you will find a compiled list of several helpful books on how to conquer clutter and/or organize your home and your life. All have been reviewed by the contributors here onReviewThisReviews.com.
A Collection of Books on Clutter (and what to do about it)
Clut`ter To fill with scattered or disordered things that restrict movement or efficiency. A collection of things lying about in an untidy mass.
For simple ways to take back control of your stuff, author Stephanie Culp’s book “How to Conquer Clutter” will give you some advice on the subject in an informative, but also humorous, way.
Paper Clutter
MY clutter, in general, is mostly under control. I like things orderly, and almost everything in my domain stays pretty much under control. EXCEPT, when it comes to paper. For whatever reason, I do not deal well with paper ~ sorting, filing or disposing! I begin with good intentions, then become overwhelmed and just turn around and go do something else!
Thus, Barbara Hemphill’s “Taming the Paper Tiger” has been a lifesaver for me, and perhaps it will for you.
Between screens with lovely scenes and furniture with storage places, your clutter can quickly be tucked away if unexpected company arrives, or if you simply have gotten tired of ‘looking’ at the clutter' which you have not had time to put away.
Personal Thoughts on ‘Tidying Up’
This Japanese ‘art of decluttering and organizing’ found in the book“The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” written by Marie Kondo, does more than simply aid you in putting your house (and your life) in some semblance of order. It basically puts your past in order, revealing that you are now surrounded only by the things you love.
Summary
Since this is the Spring-Cleaning time of year, having just celebrated the first day of Spring, this list of helpful de-clutter books seems appropriate. There also just happens to be a National Cleaning Week beginning the 4th Sunday of March each year.
*This reviewed group of How-To books for learning how to declutter your home and life, is brought to you by Wednesday Elf.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
Everyone needs to know the hour, minute or second sometime or other, making
clocks a necessity. So why not find an interesting-looking timepiece to give
as a gift or buy for yourself when there are so many choices available? They
can be found to suit any theme or motif in any room in your house, and the
interests of many family members or friends on your shopping list.
When you need to shop for a gift, think CLOCKS
Shopping for a Unique Clock
This page compiles a group of unusual and unique Clocks - and websites
where they can be found - to save you shopping time. The ones featured here
will fit into your space and budget easier than London's BIG BEN pictured
here! :-)
The Coby digital photo frame displays JPEG photo files and plays MP3 and
WMA music files. It has a photo slideshow mode. It is also digital with an
alarm, a calendar and displays the current temperature.
This would make a perfect gift for a student away at college, a soldier
stationed overseas, or the grandparents. A practical clock, plus a digital
photo viewer filled with your favorite photo images for that special
someone. .
"We're Gonna Rock Around the Clock Tonight!"
Being a teenager in the 1950s, Bill Haley & His Comets sang to us about
'clocks' in a way we'll never forget. Dancing to this tune was a time we
loved. Listen to this favorite 'clock' song while you browse through the
clocks on this page.
"Rock Around the Clock" by Bill Haley
Songs About Time…
Singers and song writers have given us the time in many ways
through song titles. A few are listed below. I'll bet you have some favorites
too.
Two favorite themes kids relate to these days -- Star Wars and Legos. My
grandson is crazy about both.... and his favorite is R2D2!
Decorate your child's room in a fun favorite and help them keep track of
time in this delightful way!
Lego Star Wars from Darth Vader to a Storm Trooper to R2D2 and more....
Star Wars Lego figures make fun clocks for kids!
Even a clock that does not work is right twice a day.
~Polish Proverb
Movies, Books & TV Shows with Clock Titles
Clocks and time itself play a major role in life, so it isn't surprising
that book authors and producers of movies and television shows base their
stories around the passage of time. Some of the most famous movies and books
of the past reflect this. See how many you recognize in the list
below:
If your 'hobby' is in the field of fiber arts, like me, time spent in your
craft room would be fun with a clock that represents your favorite craft,
like this 'crafty' one! You can also search Amazon for a clock with the
design of your favorite hobby!
Time to Vote
What's Your Favorite Way to Track the Passage of Time?
I look at the clock on the wall.
I use my computer.
My cell phone is the handiest way.
I wear a watch.
I'm retired! Who cares what time it is? :-)
*Leave me your favorite choice (by number) in the
comments.
Whether you like modern or old-fashioned, funny or funky, streamlined,
ornate or simple, there is a special CLOCK made just for you and your
interests. I hope you have enjoyed browsing the choices I've presented
here.
*This Clocks Gift Guide was originally written on November 12, 2014.
While the original site is no longer active, Wednesday Elf has brought the
best of that content here for you.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
A review of some unique and unusual stories in the world of baseball.
Home Team Wins – a FIRST in Major League Baseball history!
A new statistic was accomplished in baseball on Tuesday, August 11, 2015. For the first time in Major League Baseball history, ALL 15 home teams won on the same day! The closest home teams have ever come before now was 12 wins, over a hundred years ago, on May 23, 1914.
The 15 winning home teams were the Blue Jays, Cardinals, Cubs, Diamondbacks, Dodgers, Giants, Indians, Mariners, Marlins, Mets, Padres, Rays, Royals, Twins and White Sox. Added altogether, the winning teams outscored their visitors by 80-32 runs.
I love baseball statistics!
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Flash Gordon in Baseball
Tom Gordon was a major league pitcher from 1988 to 2009. He recorded 153 strikeouts in 1989 while playing for the Kansas City Royals. Those strikeouts were one of the highest totals in the American League that year, earning Tom the nickname “Flash.”
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1899 Cleveland Spiders - The year that nobody came to the game!
The Cleveland Spiders were a major league baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio from 1887 to 1899. They achieved minor successes for ten of their eleven seasons of play. In 1899, their last year as a professional baseball team, they played so poorly that eventually the fans stayed away.
This wasn’t entirely the fault of the team. That year, the owners bought the St. Louis Browns and decimated the Cleveland Spiders’ team to enhance the St. Louis team. Also, a large number of Cleveland home games were shifted to ‘road’ games. As a consequence, the fan base dwindled. The first 16 home games only drew a total of 3,179 fans (an average of 199 fans per game). Because of these meager attendance figures, the other teams in the league (NL) refused to come to Cleveland because their cut of revenue from ticket sales wouldn’t even cover their travel expenses. Thus, the Spiders were forced to play 85 of the rest of their 93 game schedule on the road.
The Cleveland Spiders ended up with an average of only 145 fans per game paying to attend home games. They finished with a dismal win-loss record of 20-134 ~ the worst in MLB history.
Winning a ROY
While watching or listening to a baseball game on TV or radio, you may have heard the announcers talking about who might win a ROY. The first time I heard that term, I had no idea what it was and had to look it up.
ROY stands for ‘Rookie-of-the-Year, an awarded honor which recognizes the top-performing first-year athlete in a professional sports league. A Roy award is not just for baseball. Other sports, such as soccer, basketball, and football, recognize outstanding debut seasons.
Summary
I hope you have enjoyed this compilation of unusual and unique informational tidbits from the world of Major League Baseball.
*This post about Fun and Unusual Baseball Stories was written by Wednesday Elf, the Baseball Contributor on ReviewThisReviews.com
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
A Gift Guide for Choosing Wall Clocks Your Kids Will Like
Children need clocks as much as grownups! School age children need to check a clock to know when the important segments of their day are happening -- time for breakfast, dinnertime, school time, homework time, bedtime. And what about 'playtime'... a most important part of a child's day!
Since kids need clocks, why not pick one that fits the theme of their bedroom or represents their favorite cartoon character, playtime buddy, hobby or animal. They will be more likely to 'keep track of time' if their clock represents something they can relate to.
This page has a selection of clocks that kids will really like. Browse through and find your child's favorite theme.
Superhero Wall Clocks
Superhero Spider Man... - A Clock for Kids Who Like SuperHeros!
This Spiderman Disney Marvel Red Wall Clock features a printed Spiderman face with two hand dial and a red casing. Your youngsters who like Superheros will enjoy having a clock on their bedroom wall that reminds them of their favorite superhero.
Cute Clocks for Girly Girls...
For your budding ballerina...
What little girl wouldn't love a cute wall clock featuring ballerina designs. This will look so sweet on a bedroom wall of your future ballerina!
This decorative “Ballerina Girl” wall clock has a wood-like colorful design of a ballerina girl. It measures 10 inches in diameter with easy-to-read large black Arabic numerals and hands.
Wall Clocks Boys Like
Football Wall Clock for your Sports Fan
This is an America Football Themed Wall Clock with a 12” black dial and a sporty football motif. The clock has bold white printed numbers and a crystal-clear clock cover. In addition to being perfect for a young lad who likes football, this clock would also go well in that ‘man cave’ for the football fanatic dad!
If your boy loves a different sport....
Football is a favorite, but there's a Wall Clock to be found on Amazon for lots of Sports. Just do a search for sports wall clocks and you'll find lots of choices in a multitude of sports.
Sports clocks are available for fans of football, baseball, basketball, soccer, golf and more. Individual favorite NFL and MLB team clocks are listed. There are even clocks with the theme of particular college teams.
Whatever kind of sports fan you are, a clock can be found to show your team spirit.
Trains & Planes, Cars & Trucks
Little boys especially love 'Things that Go' - trains and planes, cars and trucks. Anything with wheels and an engine is of interest in the rough and tumble world of boys. A wall clock in a favorite transportation theme, will keep their attention long enough to see what 'time' it is. :)
Kid time is fun time... as far as children are concerned. So when it comes time to teach them to "Tell Time", making it a fun game works best. The website page "Learn to Tell Time" helps children to learn to tell time in a fun, interactive learning experience.
This Learning Resources Teaching Clock is a great way to help kids grasp time-telling skills. The clock has hidden gears to maintain the correct hour and minute relationships. It has easy-to-read hour and minute markings.
Wall Clocks Safety Notes:
These featured wall clocks for kids are all 'cordless'. One AA battery required (not included, unless otherwise stated).
*This guide to the best wall clocks for kids was originally published on November 9, 2014. While the original site is no longer active, Wednesday Elf has brought the best of that content here for you.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
Since 1990, Harlan Coben has written 18 standalone novels in the mystery and thriller categories, and two series. This is an overall review of his 12-book (to date) Myron Bolitar mystery series.
The leading character of this Myron Bolitar series of thrillers has a leading character by the same name. As the series begins, Myron is a 31-year-old formerly renowned basketball player who won two NCAA titles in four years at Duke University after breaking all records in high school. Just after being recruited by the Boston Celtics, he had a career-ending injury to his knee in a pre-season game. His basketball prowess is often referred to in the character’s back-story throughout the series.
Afterwards, Myron returned to college, obtained a law degree at Harvard, and eventually became a sports agent with his agency, MB SportsReps, representing sports stars.
The two main supporting characters include his best friend, Win (Windsor Horne Lockwood III), an eccentric, philandering billionaire who often gets involved in Myron’s cases. Win can probably best be described as an anti-hero, having some psychopathic tendencies. In many of the books, Myron and Win debate the ethical nature of various actions, but they usually accomplish what they set out to do.
Then there is his assistant at MB SportReps, Esperanza Diaz, who eventually becomes his partner (in the 7th Bolitar novel Darkest Fear) after Esperanza gets her law degree. She’s very close to both Myron and Win and very protective of both.
Bolitar is a good agent for his clients, taking care of their needs and wants while being careful to not exploit them like bigger agencies. He has office space in the Locke-Horne Investments & Securities building, which is owned by Win. Myron offers his client the choice of hiring Win for financial management.
Myron is from a Jewish background, grew up in New Jersey, and is very close to his parents. His mother is a former lawyer herself, and his dad is a factory owner. His favorite drink is chocolate Yoo-Hoo.
Summary
The series has quite a few ‘adventures’, since Myron keeps getting involved in solving problems for his clients. This most likely comes from the fact that both Myron and Win once did some undercover work for the FBI. Thus, they keep finding themselves playing ‘accidental detectives’ when needed for Myron’s clients.
The Myron Bolitar series began with Deal Breaker in 1995. It currently has 12 novels, through Think Twice published in 2024. There is a spin-off of a three book young adult series featuring Myron’s nephew, Mickey Bolitar (the Mickey Bolitar Trilogy), which debuted in 2011.
Windsor Horne Lockwood III received his own standalone novel “Win” in 2021.
Win and Myron are both fans of Batman, often calling their transport the "Batmobile." There is quite a bit of humor throughout the series, which keeps these ‘thrillers’ more on the light-hearted side of suspense stories.
I have enjoyed all of Harlan Coben’s books, but most especially his Myron Bolitar Series and have read the entire series more than once. I highly recommend them to fans of thrillers/suspense/mystery novels and of Harlan Coben.
For more Book Reviews of books by Harlan Coben, click here
*The “Myron Bolitar Series” review was written by Wednesday Elf
+Intro image compliments of Pixabay
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
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