I recently interviewed a psychologist on the topic of extra-marital affairs. John Edwards, as the entire world now knows, was involved with a woman who worked on his campaign. Cheating, running around, a little action on the side, there’s various words and phrases that can define an individual’s actions when they no longer feel compelled to live up to their marital promise, “until death do us part.” In speaking with Doctor Hale Humprey-Jones, a Newark Psychologist, women tend to forgive men continuously for acts that include cheating and gambling. Men, according to Humprey-Jones’ experience in counseling couples, are not nearly as forgiving. This information confirms a recent national survey that shows women put more weight in a marriage or relationship. I think we all know people, or have experienced ourselves, what it feels like to be a cheater or the cheated. Humprey-Jones stated an obvious fact about one of the motives. Sometimes people are simply unhappy with an aspect or several areas of the marriage or relationship. It seems to reason that if that’s the case, they would seek counseling or part ways, but it’s easier for people to be deceptive than cope with reality, which leads us to the second motive. People who cheat are often internally unhappy. In the case of John Edwards, wealth and success have been conquered, at least that’s the public perception. While we can never know what’s going on inside a marriage, it’s hard to condone or try to understand the actions of John Edwards. Life presents us with cruel twists and turns. You would think a terrible and ongoing bout of cancer would be enough pain, but Edwards inflicted more trauma and humiliation on his wife when information of his affair was revealed. It’s a sad situation. Edwards is a man who deeply cares for the less fortunate and deserves forgiveness, but that compassion and understanding may be better served to others when it’s perfected within the confines of sacred vows. JLC

Some recent developments have me curious about something that I think everyone ponders…..life on other planets. Nasa’s Phoenix lander discovered ice on Mars. While that discovery is very interesting, I found a former astronaut’s revelation more intriguing. Dr. Edgar Mitchell, the 6th man to walk on the moon as part of the Apollo 14 mission, told a British radio host that we’ve been visited by aliens. Mitchell went on to say that the Roswell incident was not a hoax or Air Force mannequins. Mitchell says, the crash in 1947 was an actual alien ship that crashed. According to Mitchell, one of the aliens died, but another being aboard the craft lived until 1956. I know, this sounds bizarre, but coming from someone on the inside, it’s very intriguing. Mitchell told the British radio host that several astronauts wanted to tell their story, but never got the chance. Mitchell explained that he was privy to other information, which led him to believe that the phenomenon is real. Mitchell’s tell-all can be found on Youtube. One mainstream news organization picked up the story, but many others are still distancing themselves from it. I think it’s only a matter of time before we find out the truth. I don’t find it hard to believe that there’s other species in the universe. People will always question the existence of other life forms. It’s difficult for humans to cope with the fact that another life form may be more intelligent. As I’ve stated in other blogs, I’d love to see some of the photos Nasa has under its protective care, and I’m sure it’s more than ice. JLC

There’s a fine line between emotional pain and gain. It’s hard to accept the fact that when someone dies, we’ll never see them again during our earthly lives. We’re often reminded of their life, whether it’s a house, a picture or something they would say that could make things clear and tranquil everyday. As I’ve stated in previous blogs, my father died at the very young age of 60. I’ve often longed to talk with him about the state of our nation and other important topics. Frank McColgan, or as the kids in my neighborhood in the 1970’s would respectfully and affectionately refer to him as, Mr. McColgan, became the man who would give me a look into the past. It certainly helped that my dear friend Jim is his son, and is just like his dad in so many ways. The term “Great American” is often tossed around very loosely. We often hear it on radio and t-v talk shows. Mr. McColgan was a Great American in every sense of the word. He bravely served the United States in World War Two in the Navy, and then moved on to a career with the Philadelphia Police Department. As time moved on, my friend Jim met the love of his life and now has two wonderful sons. I can remember being devastated when my pal decided to get married..lol. Little did I know that another real friendship would grow with Jim’s dad. I can remember numerous occasions where I would sit in their kitchen, Mrs McColgan would pour us cups of coffee, and we would talk about everything, from his war experiences to the Phillies, movies and the state our nation. I will always cherish those moments. His wit, humor and patients were treasures that he bestowed upon his family. Mr. McColgan passed away on July 19th, 2008. There are still other great men from the WW11 era that are alive. If there’s one in your life, talk to them, get to know them and listen to their wisdom, as I have with Mr. McColgan. I’m grateful and honored to have known this wonderful man, who dearly loved his family and nation. JLC