Dick Clark you will be missed.

Dick Clark the host of “New Year’s Rocking Eve”, “American Bandstand” and the $25,000 Pyramid has died, he was 82. 

Spokesman Paul Shefrin said Clark suffered a heart attack Wednesday morning a day after being admitted to Saint John’s hospital in Santa Monica, CA for an outpatient procedure.

Even though he suffered a massive stroke in 2004 which affected his ability to speak, Clark continued to preform his duties as host of “New Year’s Rocking Eve.  Struggling with his speech he turned over the reins to Ryan Seacrest as the main host. 

In 1956, Clark took over American Bandstand and guided this show to become one of TV’s longest running daytime shows. “Bandstand” provided a platform for America’s new love of Rock and Roll. He helped bridge the gap between teenagers and adults as this new genre of music invaded the homes of America.

Such notables as Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly and even Madonna, performed live on the show.

Clark was a great defender of pop artist and artistic freedom; he was a pioneer in playing the original R&B recordings instead of the popular trend of white performers doing a cover version. 

“I play the records, the kids dance, and America watched”, was how Clark described the simple format of “Bandstand”.

Clark, who began his career in 1945, worked in the mail room of a Utica, N.Y. radio station.  From those humble beginnings he created a media empire that helped make him one of the most influential and wealthiest men in America.

Dick Clark productions credits include, Academy of Country Music, the Golden Globe Awards, TV movies, game shows and many other programs. His holding also included partial ownership of Swan Records which released the U.S. version of the Beatles smash hit “She loves you.”

Clark struggle with type 2 Diabetes and served as the spokesman for the American Association of Diabetes Educators. 

“The world’s oldest teenage” will be remembered and missed this coming New Year’s Eve.

The Vampire of Sacramento

 

 In my research for a photo essay about the memorials on campus I came across Richard Trenton Chase who was listed on American River College’s website as an ARC notable person.  I wondered who he was and if there is a memorial to him on campus.  What I found was both interesting and shocking. 

Richard Trenton Chase was a serial killer! He was also known as the Vampire of Sacramento.

During the months of December 1977 and January 1978 Chase killed 6 people, 2 women, 2 men, a 6-year-old boy and a 22-months-old baby.  These horrific crimes have placed Chase at the top of the worst serial killers in the United States.  According to the FBI his case is still used as a classic model for understanding the disorganized killer in the behavioral training program for FBI profilers.

Casablance 70th Anniversary showing

Casablanca staring Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Claude Rains and a host of other great actors has been voted as the #2 top movie of all time behind Citizen Kane, winning numerous awards including Best Picture in 1944.

This month we celebrate the 70^th anniversary of arguable one of the best love stories to ever play on the big screen. 

Fathom events and TCM hosted this big screen event in theater across the country. I for one was very excited for the opportunity to see this great movie as it was intended to be scene on the Big Screen.  I have watched this movie many times but always on the small screen.

As the theater filled with fans mostly my age (50’s) or older you could feel the anticipation in the air as we all waited for the lights to dim and for Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman to take the screen.

Kaneko Gallery opening.

What do burgers, wood and string have in common? 

 They are all starring in an art show debuting at American River College’s Kaneko Gallery. Artist Mick Sheldon and sculptor Craig Martinez have featured works on display. The two different collections, “Burger Worker” by Mick Sheldon and “Wood and String” by Craig Martinez, complement each other as Martinez’s sculptures are surrounded by the paintings by Sheldon. As you enter the gallery, the striking difference between the two artists’ works is very apparent yet they add strength and depth to the exhibit.

Unoccupied Wall Street

New York – Occupy Wall Street 

Protester's gather in Zucciti Park New York City

The “Occupy Wall Street” protest celebrated its two month anniversary on Nov. 17, 2011 with marches, clashes with police, hundreds of arrests and disruptions to the subways and transportation systems in New York City. 

The Occupy movement is at a critical crossroads. Public support is waning, encampments are being closed and a message is being lost in its own ambiguity.  

Is this the beginning of the end or will OWS and other cities re-energize the Occupy movement?  

Conceled Weapons on Campus

Of all the things you put in your backpack as you leave home for your college classes a gun is usually not include. On college campuses across the United States the ability to bring a concealed weapon with you to class may become a reality.  A choice that I believe students and faculty holding a valid CCW permit should have. I am not advocating that everyone be allowed to carry a gun on campus only those with a valid CCW permit.