Blog Archives
RIP Craig Sager
A smile doesn’t go on for a mile…
it lasts a lifetime.
Craig Sager, the relentlessly positive NBA sideline reporter, has died at the age of 65. His toughness was iron strong, as he faced cancer and, incredibly, experienced that same cancer go into remission. Mr. Sager certainly had a memorable collection of high-profile interviews with basketball icons, but his legacy was built on something much more profound and meaningful.
His personality, decorated head-to-toe in spectacularly strange and overwhelmingly loud jackets and suits, was one defined by kindness. A rarity in this world, for sure. So many believe that we must be cool and removed, yet Mr. Sager is one example of how spreading happiness and trying to get people to smile (regardless of and because of their personal struggles and circumstances) is a gift that should be copied-and-pasted over and over…and over again.
One of the great misconceptions about people who appear happy all the time is that there isn’t a darkness or broken element in their life or that they don’t understand the grit of the world. In other words, that they aren’t “real.” Actually, it’s precisely the opposite. If you meet someone beyond the age of 10 who makes it their purpose to be happy, it usually means they have or are enduring deep struggles, but choose to be joyful and bright and bring out happiness in others.
Choosing to be happy instead of aloof and indifferent?
That sounds pretty damn real to me (in more ways than one).
Even just one smile can make all the difference…to somebody.
RIP Craig Sager.
RIP Alan Thicke
One of America’s fathers has died.
Alan Thicke, most well-known for his role as TV dad Jason Seaver on the mid ’80s and early ’90s sitcom Growing Pains, died recently. For those of us who grew up on those special sitcoms that centered on the family and difficult issues are reflecting and grieving like we lost someone beyond an actor on a show we watched.
Alan Thicke had a place in our hearts that inspired goodness.
The following interview clip offers a little insight into Mr. Thicke’s feeling on his famous role and sitcom, including the creative process that made Growing Pains such a hit with fresh concepts and story lines.
While we’re enduring pain today, Alan Thicke (through Jason Seaver) helped us grow into good, decent people.
RIP Alan Thicke.
RIP John Glenn
To say that John Glenn was a pioneer would be a massive understatement.
Famed astronaut, aviator and former Ohio Senator John Glenn has died at the towering age of 95. Living a full life by taking big risks by venturing into outer space resulted in a big legacy that will not be soon forgotten. Mr. Glenn was the first American to orbit the Earth, as well as being one of the first people in space (#5).
He will be missed and celebrated as an American space-race icon.
Plus, we all remember his hilarious cameo on Frasier.
A great man, on Earth and in space.
RIP John Glenn.
RIP Arnold Palmer
Yesterday, golfing legend Arnold Palmer died.
At the towering age of 87, Arnold Palmer inspired countless people on the green as much as he did children in hospitals. To put it simply, Arnold Palmer was old school. He was old school in his modesty, his graciousness and his talent. This is a trying blog post to write because while yesterday’s news sparks sadness, it’s equally impossible not to crack the gentlest of grins in honor of a man who changed people’s lives far beyond the drama of the 18th hole.
Arnold Palmer not only conquered his sport, but he understood the true meaning and responsibility of doing so.
“The Arnold Palmer” is 2/3 iced tea and 1/3 lemonade, yet his legacy as a golfing icon and a quintessential gentleman, on-and-off the course, is absolute.
RIP Arnold Palmer.
Jimmy's Daily Planet 