Two feet on the ground

(Feb. 12, 2012) Ever since Super Bowl XLVI last Sunday, "two feet on the ground" has had a new meaning -- a super play that led to victory when Giants' wide receiver Mario Manningham caught a precise fourth quarter pass from his quarterback, Eli Manning, and planted his feet for just enough time before falling out of bounds with the football. The rest is history as the Giants went from 15-17 to win 21-17, thwarting a last-second Hail Mary touchdown attempt by the New England Patriots. Calm, cool and confident MVP Manning, 31, credited team play and coach Tom Coughlin, 65, for the victory.

That same day, Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, Prince Philip, attended church on the eve of the 60th anniversary of her accession to the throne. She said, "In this special year, as I dedicate myself anew to your service, I hope we will all be reminded of the power of togetherness and the convening strength of family, friendship and good neighborliness, examples of which I have been fortunate to see throughout my reign and which my family and I look forward to seeing in many forms as we travel throughout the United Kingdom and the wider Commonwealth."

Elizabeth ascended the throne when her father, George VI, died on Feb. 6, 1952. She is the longest-serving monarch after Queen Victoria, who reigned for more than 63 years.

Over the course of 2012, members of the royal family -- including newlyweds Prince William and his wife, Katherine, the Duchess of Cambridge -- will fan out across the globe and travel to Commonwealth countries including Canada, Jamaica and Belize in honor of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. Elizabeth, 85, and Philip, 90, will stay closer to home, touring the UK from March to July.

Both of these events remind me of the power of working together. More such examples can be found in Recorder Community Newspapers and in their blogs online. Community individuals or organization representatives interested in joining the growing group of Recorder bloggers may contact me at (908) 832-7420 or panderson@recordernewspapers.com for more information on this free, 21st century communication tool.