Dick Clark "The World's Oldest Teenager"

By the age of ten, Dick Clark, knew he wanted to be a radio personality, but I don't think he would be as significant to the American culture as he is today. He was raised in Mount Vernon, NY with his older brother. After graduating from Syracuse University his first job was working at his uncle’s radio station, where he would help out as a child. His first television-hosting job was on Cactus Dick and the Santa Fe Riders, a country music program.

 In 1952, Bob Horn’s Bandstand, was a radio show that Clark filled in for on a regular basis when Horn went on vacation. In ’56, Horn was arrested for a DUI and was dismissed from the show, that year Clark became the show’s permanent host. The show was picked up by ABC television network, and was later called American Bandstand. Clark’s first interview was with Elvis Presley on August 5, 1957.

 “He was able to use his unparalleled communication skills to present rock ‘n rock in a way that was palatable to parents”- Michael Uslan, Producer

In 1963, Clark branched out into hosting game shows, which were canceled rather early, but he was the first host of $25,000 Pyramid in 1973. He won three Emmy Awards for the best game show. Clark retired in 1988 from the show.

In 1972, Clark produced and hosted Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve. He is the one who made the count down famous! Clark was unable to host the ‘04/’05 show because he was recovering from a stroke. The next year he returned along side Ryan Secrest. Clark commented, “Last year I had a stroke. It left me in bad shape. I had to teach myself how to walk and talk again. It’s been a long, hard fight. My speech is not perfect but I’m getting there”. Before counting down for 2006, he mentions he “wouldn’t have missed this for the world”.

On April 18, 2012, Clark died from a heart attack following surgery to fix and enlarged prostate. He was cremated and his ashes were scattered in the Pacific Ocean. After Clark’s death, President Barack Obama praised Clark’s career, “With American Bandstand, he introduced decades’ worth of viewers to the music of our time. He reshaped the television landscape forever as a creative and innovative producer. And, of course, for 40 years, we welcomed him into out homes to ring in the New Year.” 

In 1990, Rolling Stone magazine noted, “over two-thirds of the people who’ve been initiated into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame had their television débuts on American Bandstand”. Dick Clark has made an impact on American pop culture for decades, and touched many hearts. He is present in many of my childhood memories, watching his Rockin' New Year's Eve in several different houses because my family moved so much through out my life. He was an extremely neat person to learn about and it's so upsetting to know that he is gone, but he will forever be remembered. 

Grateful Dead's "American Beauty"

This week I’ll be taking on The Grateful Dead’s “American Beauty” album. I’m not too sure what I’m in for because I haven’t listened to them before, and what little I do know of them is only that they were huge druggies and they were from San Francisco. After further research I learned that the band formed in 1965 as the Warlocks but later changed their name. The band ranked 57^th on the Rolling Stone’s list of Greatest Artists of All Time. Like with many artists today, their fans have nicknames like “Barbies” for Nicki Monaj, and “Directioners” for OneDirection, and “Brats” for Cher Lloyd, The Grateful Dead followers were called “Deadheads.” The members Jerry Garcia (guitar, vocals), Bob Weir (guitar, vocals), Ron "Pigpen" McKernan (keyboards, harmonica, vocals), Phil Lesh (bass, vocals), and Bill Kreutzmann (drums). McKernan died in ’73 and the band kept at it. The album “American Beauty” was released November 1970 and was Rolling Stone’s 258^th album of the Greatest Albums of All Time.

The first song that played on the wonderful Spotify was “Box of Rain”, and I like the flow of the music. It reminds me of something my dad would have played on the cassette tape when I was little. It really doesn’t seem like a “druggy” song. The song kind of reminds me of a Matchbox 20 song “3 am”.

The second song, “Friend Of TheDevil” isn’t bad. “A friend of the devil is a friend of mine” shows that he is a rebel and likes to have fun because “if he gets home before day light, he just might get some sleep tonight”.

“Ripple” has a relaxing rhythm, but the lyrics are kind of sad. They say, “If you fall, you fall alone. But if you stand who’s to lead you.”

“Sugar Magnolia” could be talking about drugs, or possibly about a girl. “She’s delightful, she’s everything I need.” I really like how well their voices harmonize, somewhat reminds me of The Who, but The Grateful Dead definitely sounds “American”.

Track four is called “Operator.” I was not very interested as this song played. It was only the lead singer singing, unlike in the previous song where they was much harmonizing.

“Candyman”, is talking about a drug dealer coming around. Some of the lyrics are, “I ain’t got no friends till the candy man comes around again.” The song is slower and seems trippy with the guitar solo on the Wawa machine.

During “Brokendown Palace”, I got distracted… The song is very drowsy sounding. After listening to it a second time, distracted again… The song is about him leaving home.

When “Till the Morning Comes” came on I immediately enjoyed the music flow. They beat was up and the band was harmonizing. “Tell you what I’ll do, I’ll watch out for you. You’re my woman now, make yourself easy.”

In “Attics of My Life”, I like the lyrics and again, the harmonies, but I don’t like the slow pace of the song. The melody does pick up a slight bit, but not too much. “When there was no dream of mine. You dream of me.”

"Truckin’” is the lost song on the Spotify list for this album. The song is a bit more upbeat than some of the previous songs. The way the words are sung, it reminds me of something like how the Beach Boys would sing.

Over all I liked the album. It reminds me of when I was little and would drive around with my dad and listen to all of his "old" music. I enjoy many genres of music and this is one of them.

 

Marilyn Monroe

In the 1950’s teens had more money than ever to spend on them selves. Parents feared their children would spend their money on risqué music and movies. One actress parents really did not want their kids to go see was Marilyn Monroe. Born June 1, 1926 Norma Jeane Mortenson who became an actress, singer, model, and showgirl. She spent much of childhood in foster homes because of an unstable family and began her acting career in 1946 for 20th Century Fox. 

She made her first appearance on the cover of Life magazine in April 1952 where she claims how she had a Cinderella story; this magazine issue explains her childhood and how difficult she had it. She began dating baseball player Joe DiMaggio, which gave her more publicity other than being that “dumb blonde.” In a 1953 calendar Monroe was featured with a nude picture and the studio was unpleased with it. Monroe claimed it was taken years before in 1949 for rent money. In 1956 her film Bus Stop was nominated for a Golden Globe. Although she deserved the award, she did not receive a Globe until 1959 for some Like It Hot.

Marilyn Monroe’s first leading role was in the 1953 film, Niagara, gave her superstar status. George and Rose Loomis were on a late honeymoon when he witnessed his wife cheating with Patrick. Rose plots her husband’s death and asks Patrick to kill him in a tunnel under the falls. When the scheme is done, Patrick would play a certain song to let Rose know of his deeds. The song is played, however George is not dead. George killed Patrick and fled town to make the cops believe he was the victim. When the body is retrieved, Rose goes to the hospital to confirm the person and there she found it was Patrick. When she goes back to the U.S. George finds her and kills his wife, and he later kidnapping Polly a woman he previously met on his vacation. In a scene Monroe is walking with her back toward the camera, a man, Constance Bennett, claimed, "There's a broad with her future behind her."

In 1953 Monroe imprinted her hands and feet for Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.  "I want to grow and develop and play serious dramatic parts. My dramatic coach, Natasha Lytess, tells everybody that I have a great soul, but so far nobody's interested in it." Monroe told the New York Times. She was sick of being the “dumb blonde” and hoped to show her amazing talents in “The Egyptian” but was casted in a cowboy movie, “River of No Return”.  In late 1953 Monroe was scheduled to begin filming The Girl in Pink Tights with Frank Sinatra. When she failed to appear for work, 20th Century Fox suspended her.

In 1954 Monroe and DiMaggio married, and doubled their honeymoon in Japan with business and pleasure. Monroe preformed for over 13,000 soldiers in the matter of three days! In the same year, one of the most memorable movies of Marilyn had the picture of her skirt-blowing up in The Seven Year. As director Billy Wilder had the scene down several times, a large crowd watched and Joe DiMaggio was unhappy with the scene, which lead to a huge argument between the couple. Two weeks later Monroe made the separation public. 

Marilyn began seeing screen writer Arthur Miller in 1955, the couple suffered from two miscarriages. Monroe’s attitude towards coworker and directors became very different. She would redo simple scenes if she felt it was not good enough. She would come into work late and leave early as she pleased. Her health went down the gutter. She began to see a psychiatrist, Dr. Ralph Greenson. She was suffering from insomnia and the several doctors she had previously visited gave her a wide variety of medications, which she was now addicted to.  Although the doctor reduced much of her drug intake, she still drank excessive amounts with her meds.

In February 1961, Monroe was admitted to the Payne Whitney Psychiatric Clinic. She contacted her ex-husband, DiMaggio. He was alarmed by how an independent that he loved fell into the wrong crowd.  

In 1962, the scandal of Monroe and President John F. Kennedy’s affair was questioned. One of her last appeaences was when she sang "Happy Birthday, Mr. President" at a birthday party. When the president broke off the relationship, it was said Monroe’s depression increased.

August 5, 1962, Monroe, now 36 years old, LAPD police received a call in early morning from Monroe's psychiatrist, stating that Monroe was dead. Several drugs were found in her system from the autopsy and many speculations were concluded of her death. Some conspiracy theories involved John and Robert Kennedy, while other theories suggested CIA or Mafia complicity. It was reported that the last person Monroe called was the President.

Monroe starred in over 34 films before her death. Monroe was placed in a crypt in Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery. Hugh Hefner, the founder of Playboy magazine, bought the crypt right next to her because he believes she was the reason for his business’s success.  

Instant Replay

Instant replay gives the ability to viewers to rewatch an incident that has just occurred. In the winter of 1963, CBS Sports’ Tony Verna found a way to play back video during the live broadcast. The first time it was used was during an Army -Navy football game. The clip was of the Army quarterback running in for a touchdown. Viewers were confused as to that fact they believed there was another touchdown score, and they complained to CBS. Without the ability to rewatch a play, the viewers only saw one view with no slow motion, no zoom in, and no highlights.

TonyVerna was only 29 years old when he figured out instant replay. He has been a producer of multiple Super Bowls and many other athletic events, along with Pope John Paul II’s “Prayer for World Peace.” He remembers being able to eat a sandwich between plays of the big game and the announcer not being able to explain plays in full detail due to the few camera views that would not allow full view of the field. He was a very charitable man who helped raise $37 million to support famine relief in Africa; Sport Aid. He also helped raise famine awareness for Ethiopia with his Live Aid. Along with his amazing career, he has three grown children, Tracy, Jenny, and Eric. He has also been married, divorced, and married again. Mr. Verna will forever be remembered in the hearts of sports fans everywhere. 

In 1986, instant replay was first used in the NFL by the Cleveland Browns vs. the Chicago Bears. At this time however, coaches were unable to “challenge” plays like they are able to do today. Instant replay was voted out by the owners in 1992, but in 1999 it returned and coaches were able to challenge two plays per a game. In 2004, coaches were able to throw a third flag, as long as the previous two challenges were successful. Referees are given 60 seconds to review the play and are able to overturn the previous call if found to be incorrect. 

For baseball, getting instant replay was a hassle. Owners and officials were unsure about the update but in 2008 they accepted the new technology. Review would be for boundary calls, fly balls that have gone over the fence, and whether if home runs were fair or foul, also with fan interruptions with home run hits. Unlike football, coaches and players are not the people who determine whether if there will be an instant replay, the umpire makes the call. The NHL first got instant replay in 1991 and the NBA in 2002. 

Entertainment Weekly later listed instant replay's debut among its 100 greatest television moments. In 2004, Sports Illustrated cited "deja view" as one of sport's "20 great tipping points" of the previous 50 years and wrote of instant replay's impact, "The revolutionary premise was that sports could be improved not by changing the games but by changing the way they were packaged."-An Idea Worth More Than a Second Look Jerry Crowe

Graduation Gap Between Student Athletes

In 2009, the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s “March Madness” held a commercial highlighting the graduation rate increase from student athletes, while in the previous year’s tournament a commercial emphasized on how the student athletes will “go pro in something else.” In the 1999 Division I tournament, the top 16 seeded men's teams had an average graduation rate of 44 percent; in 2009 it increased to 64 percent.

In a news paper article, professor Jessica A. Johnson wrote, “The annual study "Keeping Score When It Counts," published by Dr. Richard Lapchick of the Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sports, shows only a 2 percentage-point increase in overall graduation rates for male basketball players, which now stands at 66 percent. Graduation rates continue to slowly increase for African-American male basketball players, but their general progress remains mediocre, as only 59 percent earn their degrees.”

In an interesting article I found, a section explained the improvements made from the NCAA president, Mark Emmert, "Academic reform is working, students are better prepared when they enter college, and they are staying on track to earn their degrees. Some doubted our efforts, but the resolve of our presidents is strong, and we are reaping the fruit of several years of hard work." Due to the reform, in one year time, the black athlete was able to increase the odds by 5 percent; more than any other ethnic group.

  Is the reason for coaches wanting their players to stay in college in order to help benefit the player or to benefit themselves? Jim Calhoun recently blew up on camera, telling a political activist freelance journalist to "shut up" when the journalist goaded him on his $1.6 million salary. When a coach has a better team, the more money the coach will bring in whether it’s from alumni or from advertisements. I believe that in order for a student athlete to leave college early for a professional league, he or she must take some kind of investment class, so when their athletic career ends they will be able to maintain a stable life. It really struck me when I began thinking about how quick an athlete’s career could end; from an injury or having a bad season and let go.  In college the athletes are given exclusive treatment in the class rooms, feeling the need to not preform to the best of their abilities in the classroom as they perform on game day. Dr. Tublitz recognizes the probability that not all the athletes will go on to the professionals; only around 3 percent will move on to the big leagues. "They come here and are treatedlike royalty. Until they break a leg or get put on the second string and thenthey get set aside. Many don't earn a degree. They don't have the training orthe skills to be independent after they leave the university. They'relost."

I personally feel that no student-athlete should be allowed to play past college unless they graduate. If their career were to suddenly end, they would be unprepared for a professional job. My father played football his whole life, and when he went to college injuries obstructed his abilities. He graduated with bachelors in liberal art and several of his team mates graduated with the same degree in PE and Dietitian. My father has been coaching ever since he graduated and is finally going to coach college ball.



Muhammad Ali; The Activist

Many remember Cassius Clay as the best fighter of all time, but how I will remember him is as an activist. From converting to Islam in 1964, Clay changed his name to Muhammad Ali. When Muhammad Ali was drafted for the Vietnam War he fought for his right to not go over seas. He claimed his religion has made him a pacifist and that he had no issue with the Vietnamese. Many people did have an issue with Ali calling himself a pacifist if he was fighting as a career. He said he would rather sit in jail for years than to go across the ocean and kill the Viet Cong. He traveled around the country hosting speeches at colleges against the war. Some of his most famous quotes due to the were,

 “I ain’t got no quarrel with the Vietcong. No Vietcong ever called me a nigger.”

“No, I am not going 10,000 miles to help murder, kill, and burn other people to simply help continue the domination of white slave masters over dark people the world over. This is the day and age when such evil injustice must come to an end.”

“Why should they ask me to put on a uniform and go ten thousand miles from home and drop bombs and bullets on brown people in Vietnam while so-called Negro people in Louisville are treated like dogs and denied simple human rights?”

April 28, 1967, Ali was suspended from boxing and stripped of his titles and his passport was revoked so he would be unable to box what so ever. His suspension lasted about three and a half years, and had his first fight back in Atlanta, Georgia against Jerry Quarry. It is believed that Ali’s best time would have been the years he sat out. In 1971 the Supreme Court revoked Ali’s convictions due to his religious beliefs.

In 1990 Muhammad Ali went to Iraq to negotiate the release of the 14 US hostages. That same year he lit the flame in the 1990 Olympics. In 2005 he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He is still currently active in civic and humanitarian enterprises. He has so far raised $45 million to help find a cure to Parkinson’s disease which he is currently living with.

Play 60; A Healthy and Active Life

Fine, fit, and fun late president John F. Kennedy encouraged americans to get in shape and quit being soft! He wrote an article in Sports Illustrated when he was ignogorated into presidency in 1960. His efforts to getting americans in shape was mainly due to our national security. In 2010, retired generals, admirals, and civilian militiary leaders created a mission explaining americas constant decline in health and shape. They believe starting with young americans is the best way to build up a country with a strong military.

America’s current president, Barack Obama, has helped promote the Nation Football League’s (NFL) movement Play 60 for kids to be active for an hour a day to reverse childhood obesity.

"Our players recognize the value of staying healthy and it's important that young fans also understand the benefits of exercise. The NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said, NFL PLAY 60 is a significant tool in ensuring children get their necessary, daily physical activity.”-NFL Commissioner, John Goodell

Obama's wife, Michelle Obama has also made an effort to end childhood obesity by showing short clips on how to eat better on Disney Channel. She emphasizes on potion sizes, what to eat, and exercise. She said in USA Today that her busy life in Chicago led to her buy fast food often for dinner and thought her daughters were fine due to the way they appeared. However her doctor told her that her children were fluctuating in weight. Her goal? To end childhood obesity!  Around 32% of adolescents are obes; 25 million kids.
Michelle believes its not just the kids who need to be informed of the health risks of eating unhealthy and not exercising, but all of their family. There are over $147 billion weight-related medical bills each year.