AFTER 40 YEARS THE FIRST POST DICK CLARK ROCK'IN NEW YEAR'S EVE............

Tonight for only the second time in forty years on New Year's Eve, Mr. Dick Clark, will be missing from the show he created and hosted all these years, this time permanently following his death at age 82, in April.  Dick Clark's Rock'in New Year's Eve will air tonight on ABC Television in both prime time and late night, as it has since its inception in 1972, when Guy Lombardo was still Mr. New Year's Eve. Dick Clark, who from 1956 - 1989 hosted American Bandstand, and became a prolific tv show host, producer, music promoter, and actor, to more than two generations of American and worldwide audiences, suffered a stroke in 2004, that prevented him from appearing on his New Year's Rock'in Eve telecast on December 31, 2004.  Regis Philbin filled in for him, and the following year with American Idol host Ryan Seacrest aboard, Dick Clark returned and reappeared for pivotal segments of the broadcast every year through last New Year's Eve December 31, 2011.  Sadly, his appearance a year ago was widely criticized by viewers, who were repulsed eight years post stroke, with the speech defect inflicted upon him in aftermath of his stroke.  To criticize this man, or anyone as dedicated as him for doing what was his right to do, just because his health reality makes you uncomfortable, is ludicrous at best.  He deserved so much more respect and appreciation for continuing to join us and a global audience on this one night of the year, resolved, humbled, and determined not to be embarrassed or vanquished by his stroke.  Just 110 days after his 2011 Rock'in New Year's Eve appearance, God called Dick Clark from earthly existence, more than seven years after the stroke that slowed, but not stop him.  The ABC Television network and Dic Clark Productions company plan a full tribute to him tonight in prime time, looking back on New Year's Rock'in Eve through the years back to 1972.  What way if indeed they do, remember him at Midnight has not been disclosed.  I will be thinking of and remembering him along with my family members, friends, fellow believers, supporters, and companions, on the journey of Life and Faith,  as I toast in the New Year 2013 at Midnight.  Thank You Dick Clark.  Long may your example and inspiration live on in the Music.  Happy New Year's Eve............tdp