... A way to honor those who
Protect & Serve America?

On Memorial Day each year, Americans pause to honor the men and women who have served in the nation's armed forces. It also is a fitting time to honor those who serve the nation every day in every community. To help students better understand these contributions, and those of military personnel, the education division of Hollister Creative crafted a learning booklet for elementary and middle school students called "Protect & Serve America." This booklet, which was honored for excellence in the national Distinguished Achievement Awards competition of the Association of Educational Publishers, examines careers and contributions of every branch of the military, local police, firefighters, EMTs, the FBI, the CIA and workers in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. It's a great way to teach children there are many ways to serve the nation and their community.

At the start of this novel, we meet Dr. Peter Dizinoff, a former suburban success story who has lost it all. His partners have kicked him out of his solid, respected medical practice. His wife is filing for divorce later in the week. His best friend and social network have shunned him. Now all he has is a stalker, the angry brother of a former patient, whose family is suing him for malpractice.     

A Friend of the Family unwinds the cautionary tale of a father who has spent his entire parenthood trying to give his beloved son Alec what he considers to be the best, most impressive life possible. When Alec, now a college dropout, falls for the very troubled older daughter of Pete's best friend, all hell breaks loose - like an explosion in slow motion. Readers will see an inevitable train crash coming a mile away, but they won't be able to avert their eyes.    

Today's 24-hour news cycle permits no public figure a private life. A president's physical handicap could not be concealed - nor could his extramarital dalliances.

In the 1930s, the public was aware that President Franklin Delano Roosevelt had been paralyzed by polio, but reporters never revealed just how helpless he was. Nor was it common knowledge that the First Lady lived in a separate house on the President's Hyde Park, NY estate, while he was intimate with other women.

Hyde Park on Hudson is presented through the eyes of Margaret, a distant cousin who lived nearby and was usually by FDR's side when he was at Hyde Park. She was present at many state functions held there, including the famous June 1939 picnic at which the Roosevelts hosted the visiting King and Queen of England and introduced them to that exotic American food, the hot dog. According to this movie, the President asked Margaret to demonstrate to His Majesty how to apply the mustard.  

Bill Murray is wonderful as the 32nd president. He has FDR's unique mannerisms down perfectly, and also the man's subtle complexity, politically and personally. Laura Linney is fine as Margaret. And Samuel West and Olivia Colman are delightful as the Royal Couple.

We'll send a free copy of this DVD to the first three newsletter subscribers who request it. (Those who have never won will move ahead of previous winners.) What are you watching? Tell us your tip and we'll share it in a future edition. 

Review by Senior Designer Georgette Klotz 

To say I'm a fan is an understatement. I have become completely obsessed with Ben Haggerty, aka Macklemore, the Seattle-based hip-hop rapper. I was hooked when I first heard "Thrift Shop," his playful song about second-hand stores. When I sampled a few of his other songs, I fell head over heels in love.  

Playing off the Malcolm Gladwell theory that the key to mastery of any skill is to practice it for 10,000 hours, The Heist opens with "Ten Thousand Hours," telling how Macklemore and beat-maker Ryan Lewis independently produced and recorded this record-breaking album.

The Heist tackles an array of subjects that fit smoothly together, thanks to their authenticity and Lewis' intricate, tone-setting production. You get pumped up with "Can't Hold Us," showing Macklemore's perseverance in marching on for his fans and the people who helped him along the way. Breaking new ground, the duo's anthem "Same Love," about marriage equality, has sparked as much controversy as praise, but gained an enthusiastic endorsement from Ellen DeGeneres when they performed live on her show. The deeply moving "Starting Over" talks openly about Macklemore's struggles with drug and alcohol addiction before ultimately finding sobriety.

Hugely talented and entertaining, Macklemore sets himself apart from other rappers with his willingness to tackle difficult subjects. Be warned: It is a rap album, so expect explicit lyrics, but enjoy the way the words are delivered with a velvety smooth voice and exquisite beats. I am gushing like a teenager over the adorable, freckle-faced Macklemore. Feel free to join me.