Bad Things Happening to Good People

Today was one of those days where you wish you could turn back the clock and find a way to prevent the days events from occurring.
As many of you have probably already heard, Dick Clark, America's oldest teenager passed away after suffering a massive heart attack at the age of 82.  Most remembered for his role as the iconic host of the country's favorite music and dance program American Bandstand, Clark embodied everything that was cool about music throughout the second half of the 20th century. That said, Dick Clark was much more than the host of a long running tv show. During a career than spanned the 50's through 2012, he was also a game show host and the owner of a production company that was responsible for dozens upon dozens of television specials, including "Dick Clark's Rockin' New Years Eve, that entertained people around the world for many years.  Last, but not least, Clark was the inspiration for many of today superstars in the entertainment world and helped launch the careers of many more.
So tonight, as we pause to reflect on the passing of a true American treasure, lets travel back with a few memories of Dick Clark over the years.

American Bandstand "Rate a Record" (late 50's/early 60's)


American Bandstand "Abba Interview) (70's)


$25,000 Pyramid Bloopers (80's)


EmmyTvLegends.Org interview ecerpt on the origins of Rockin New Years Eve (1999)



Then there is Pat Head Summitt, head coach of the Lady Vols basketball team from the University of Tennessee. Today she announced her resignation/retirement as Lady Vols head coach due to ongoing health problems.  Last year she announced to the world that she had been diagnosed with the initial stages of dementia. Determined to fight the illness as long as she could, she remained as head coach despite the shocking revelation. During the 2011/2012 season she took the Lady Vols deep into the NCAA women's tournament before losing to Baylor in an Elite Eight match up. Throughout her career she led by example. With hard work, class, sportsmanship and a balanced sense of priorities, she led her teams to eight national championships, 18 final fours, and 31 consecutive tournament  appearances over her 33 year Tennessee career. She also is the winingest coach in NCAA basketball (including men's) history with a 1098-208 record. In her lifetime coaching career, she never had a losing season. The only NCAA record she didn't break was one held by UCLA's legendary John Wooden of  10 national championships. She has eight. But her proudest accomplishments has nothing to do with wins, losses or championship trophies. Summitt's top priority has always been the well being and education of her athletes. Summitt, through her career, always maintained high standards without compromise which resulted in one of the highest graduation rates in NCAA history.  As we watch Coach Summitt leave UT as an active coach, we wish her the best and offer our prayers as she embarks on the fight of her life....and some would the fight for her life.  God speed Pat! You will always be in our thoughts and prayers.

Pat Head Summitt the Heroine (2009) Natchez, MS Blog
Reaction to Pat Summitt stepping down as head coach -- WBIR TV Knoxville, Tennessee

NCAA Video Honoring Pat Head Summitt


Til Next Time.........................