While the sitting judge hearing this Family Court airing calls it "the saddest thing I have ever seen," the media give it full throttle treatment. Just as the media concentrate on celebrities entering rehab, splitting in marriage or breaking engagements, driving under the influence or verbally assaulting one another, reporters jump on the details and press them on to a public that seems more interested in celebrity news than war news.

A step below the McGreevy birthday bash controversy, parties for youngsters have reached an amazing level of competition. Pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey has given way to skating parties, visiting clowns and magicians, pony rides, visits to game arcades, trips to New York City to create personal teddy bears, dolls and other indulgences. It’s not unusual to hire a vehicle to transport the party-goers.

Simple celebrations are a rarity. Some homemade cake, an ice cream serving and a small party favor just aren’t an option for the adult competitors. Maybe the kids would like that just as much, but it’s becoming less of an option

We know we haven’t heard the end of the bickering McGreeveys. The next thing will probably be a war about where Santa will leave a filled stocking and a pile of gifts.

Somewhere values have been lost. The mean and the ugly have taken root. Maybe it’s in proportion to the high divorce rate; maybe its a lack of common sense and decency. Maybe civility has had its day.

It certainly isn’t the spirit psychologists advocate to mark the major occasions of our lives.