Upon hearing that President Obama would be covering a substantial amount of literary ground while vacationing on Martha’s Vineyard; I decided to choose one of the five selections on the President’s reading list. I chose Richard Prices’ Lush Life, and I must say I am enjoying it more than I’d initially anticipated. Price’s masterful dialogue is captivating and the story riveting. This 455 pager is a must read.

     And if you really want to become immersed, I suggest utilizing Audible.com or another audio-book source to listen while following along in the book. The narrator, Bobby Cannavale used by audible.com for Lush Life is shamelessly by far the most excellent audio match for the author’s text. His expertise almost makes you want to forgo the read, but don’t, because this book is quite worthy of the read. Regardless of which format you decide to choose, just be certain to explore this ‘tale of two lower east sides: one a high-priced bohemia, te other a home to hardship, its residents pushed to the edges of their time-honored turf.’

Mad Men Is On Point

By Chrystal Dorsey

When Mad Men debuted on AMC in 2007 it quickly became one of the most talked about series on television. The show set in 1960ish New York, focuses on the men and women of Madison Avenue Advertising. The show even made history as the first series to win an Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series; it also won Golden Globe’s Best Television Series – Drama.

One interesting element of the show is that there is a tremendous amount of cigarette smoking throughout each episode, depicting how rampant cigarette smoking was during that era; in the boardroom, the bedroom, and shall we gasp?, even pregnant women; which makes you wonder how/why everyone growing up in the 60s isn’t dead or suffering from cigarette-related cancer of some sorts. The series’ recreation is so on point you can almost feel the burning sensation in your eyes that takes you back to the smoked-filled days of Camels and Kools.

The show has developed in to such a pop-cultural phenomenon with such a passionate fan base Mad Men continues to surpass everyone’s expectations with each new episode. And the record 4.5 Maddicts viewers tuning into the premiere Season 3, were delighted to learn that the show has been picked up just three episodes into the current season.  The captivating world of Sterling Cooper will be back on AMC again next year." said Charlie Collier, president and general manager of AMC.  And just in case you’re new to this television sensation -- Mad Men currently airs Sunday nights on AMC at 10PM 9C.

Even if you’ve not yet become a Maddict fan you may still wish to tune in to catch a glimpse of priceless moments such as the one aired in last night’s episode. The scene begins innocently enough, with an older man walking out of the house carrying three large phone books, chatting with his two grandchildren who are on their way to school; but it’s  the look on nine year old Sally’s Draper face as Grandpa Gene presses down on her foot to increase her driving speed from 5 mph to a whopping 25 - 30 mph is one of sheer delightful devilment; as she expertly maneuvers the family’s black Lincoln through the Suburban NY streets during another of her Grandpa’s many escapades; to drop she and her younger brother off at their Grammar school.  And if by chance you miss it the first go round at 10PM, the show immediately re-airs in its entirely at 11PM. But the Mad Men Maddicts already know that, so select a time and tune in.

Father’s Day is a time to observe and have a good time with the father in your life. And to remember those fathers that are no longer with us.  Father’s Day has never gotten the fan-fare that Mother’s Day has been afforded, nor have some fathers been shown the appreciation they may rightly deserve; perhaps that’s partly due to the misunderstanding of the Father and his role.

Fathers take on the role of protector and work hard to provide for their children and families.  Some fathers have to work harder and longer than they’d like, which often results in less time spent with their children. This is difficult to explain to children – just another reason not to celebrate Dad.

Fathers are usually the flexible parent, at least in my household; when Mom said “this is the way it is.” That’s the way it was – no negotiation.  Fathers are also likely to love with impulsiveness and surprises. They love having fun with their children and are generally the parent that pushes the children physically in an effort to toughen them up – while mothers are all for having spirited children, the father wants his children to be brave, aggressive, and fearless.

Then there is the optimistic nurturing side of a father, trying to be in tune with his children.  Hoping his children will find out who they really are and become independent – if for no other reason than to stay out of his pocket; but seriously, fathers help serve to wing the child from the nest to become self-sufficient productive members of society.

Although my father didn’t die until I was grown with children and grandchildren of my own - I still truly miss my Dad.  So for as long as you have breathe in your body and are able to do so, make an effort to celebrate, appreciate, and be glad to have that father figure in your life.

Perhaps we should start with what divorce is, it’s defined as, a judicial declaration dissolving a marriage in whole or in part, esp. one that releases the husband and wife from all matrimonial obligations. What that means in layman terms is, one or both parties wants out of the union.

Most people think it could never happen to them they think they are exempt – but truthfully without love, commitment, and dedication from both parties, it can and often does happen. Sadly, the warning signs are generally missed because one or both individuals are too wrapped up in their own agenda; or may have just become lazy. Simply put, they are no longer putting out the same effort they once did to interest the other. They become much too complacent with the relationship.

And there’s the other group, the individuals who are constantly making an effort to make their marriage work & going the extra mile for their spouse, trouble with this group, they refused to admit they were in the relationship alone from the on-start, and can’t admit or realize why it ended.
No matter what the underling cause, divorce occurs more often than it should. After all a commitment of “till death do you part was made”. Yet, according to The Americans for Divorce Reform they estimate that “Probably, 40 or possibly even 50 percent of marriages will end in divorce if current trends continue. And according to the 2008 statistical yearbook of GA, The average divorce rate per 1000 is 0.5 and the average length of marriage before divorce is 10.8.

Divorce is not a solo act by any means, and brings forth a very reactive group of emotions. Shocked, embarrassed, traumatized, and devastated are just a few words that can be used to describe what some individuals initially experience as victims of divorce; but tied for first-place are anger and hurt. The majority of individuals agree that the strongest emotional reaction they experience is hurt and anger.

Divorcé / Divorcées may find themselves looking for answers, wanting to know what do, where to go. It can seem over-whelming at first; just know that there are countless agencies and resources available to assist you during your troubling time. Keep in mind, no matter how painful it may be at the time, any relationship has the ability to heal. Once the anger, resentment, and conflict are replaced with forgiveness, it can be turned into mutual tolerance and respect.

There’s an on-line Georgia support forum where people can share questions and answers with others on divorce related issues.
http://www.divorcesupport.com/ubbthreads/postlist.php/Cat/0/Board/georgia

Rather it’s about to happen, has happen to you or someone you know, divorce can be devastating. And not being fully informed or having the support system you need can only compound the situation.