Two-thousand six is behind us, and I still don't know what we're calling this decade – the Noughts? Like many people, I rang in the new year by alternating between The Three Stooges and Dick Clark's Rockin' New Year. The former was nothing new, but the latter returned Dick Clark to the spotlight (I don't know if he was there last year – I was asleep), retaking the position held by Regis Philbin after Mr. Clark's stroke. I was glad to see Mr. Clark willing to broadcast, as many celebrities might've been too embarrassed by their less-than-100% recovery; and I imagine not all networks would've welcomed him back, either.
OTOH, I consider the dignity of retiring gracefully. Bob Hope's jokes were stale long before he stopped telling them; I respect people who know when their prime is past and are unwilling to lower their standards just to continue performing. I don't know if that's what Mr. Clark has done; nothing can change the fact that I was proud of him last night, and I do wish him well regardless of whether we spend another December 31st with him.
In related news, the site Box Office Mojo has closed the books on the top grossing films of 2006. I'm relieved to see Superman Returns at #5, as at the time of its release, naysayers were quick to point out that it was not as profitable as its contemporary competition, The Devil Wears Prada. If you want fashion, give me a man strong enough to wear his underwear on the outside anyday!
Ever since I first heard it, I've been unable to think of this decade as anything other than the "Naughties"! :)
It was kind of sad to see Mr. Clark's voice so strained, especially later in the broadcast, but it was also fantastic to see how well he's doing after his stroke. I'm proud of him.