Joe Paterno Dead at 85

The legendary former Penn State coach passed away Sunday, Joe Paterno dead at 85.

The Paterno family released this statement announcing his death:
"He died as he lived. He fought hard until the end, stayed positive, thought only of others and constantly reminded everyone of how blessed his life had been. His ambitions were far reaching, but he never believed he had the leave this Happy Valley to achieve them. He was a man devoted to his family, his university, his players and his community."

The Penn State community gathered at Joe's statue to prayer and light candles. On Saturday, announcements came that Paterno's health was serious. The cancer was taking its toll on the former coach and the outlook looked grim. On Sunday, the news came.

During his career, Paterno won on the field 409 games, took his team to 37 bowl games and two national championship games. Over 250 football players that he coached went on to play in the NFL.

Paterno once said, "Believe deep down in your heart that you're destined to do great things."

In so many ways, the beloved coach lived by his own words.

"He will go down as the greatest football coach in the history of the game," said Urban Meyer, Ohio State's coach.

Paterno was stricken with lung cancer soon after his firing over the Jerry Sandusky scandal broke. After the scandal of Sandusky's alleged sexual abuse of 10 young boys, the coach had this to say.

"This is a tragedy. It is one of the great sorrows of my life," Paterno said. "With the benefit of hindsight, I wish I had done more."

The former Penn State coach was loved by many. Paterno's death leaves a gaping hole for all those who loved him.

Beyoncé Delivers Baby Girl Ivy Blue Carter or is it Blue Ivy

Reports are out. It’s official. Beyoncé and Jay-Z are the proud parents of Blue Ivy Carter.

The name change came out after reports stated the couple officially named their newborn, Blue Ivy not Ivy Blue as first reported.

Credit photobucket/albums/w40/sugarsweet08

The 30-year-old singer and her husband, Jay-Z rented an entire fourth floor wing of a New York hospital for a reported $1.3 million.

Blocking off the area, hospital staff were asked to turn in their cell phones when they arrived.  Keeping the press at bay and not allowing any photographs to be taken by employees or staff, the couple kept the area private.

Several celebrities tweeted their “congratulations” to the famous couple.  

“Welcome to the world princess Carter! Love Aunty Rih,” Rihanna tweeted.

“Congrats to my good friends Beyonce and Jay-Z”, tweeted Russell Simmons.

A new life begins as the famous couple celebrates the birth of their first child.

Notable Deaths in 2011 and their Inspirational Quotes

Among those notable deaths we lost in 2011, celebrities and visionaries top the list.


In honor of those celebrities, we look back at some of their memorable quotes.

In memoriam, we pay tribute to some of those celebrities who died in 2011, by honoring their lives, and the words they spoke. 

In Memoriam 2011: Notable Deaths We Remember

With some of their own inspirational quotes to pay tribute, we honor their memory.

This isn’t necessarily their famous last words, but certainly words to live by.

People in the News looks back in Memoriam of 2011: Celebrity deaths and their inspirational quotes.

Jon Bon Jovi says Heaven looks a lot like New Jersey

Jon Bon Jovi Photo Credit David Bergman

Jon Bon Jovi is alive and well. Yet another online death hoax twisted a story to say Jon Bon Jovi died from cardiac arrest.

In this photo reveal, Jon Bon Jovi posted on his Facebook page, he stands in front of a decorated Christmas tree.

Holding a sign with a date and time stamp reveals Dec. 19, 2011 6:00 Jon looks very healthy.

The poster reads, "Heaven looks a lot like New Jersey".

A great play on words to announce he's still rockin' around the Christmas tree.

These false deaths pop up randomly through out the year. The Jersey native found a great way to show the media he is doing pretty great.

Like a song played out from one of his concerts, Wanted: Dead or Alive, Bon Jovi is still going strong.

Alec Baldwin on SNL American Airline Spoof

Alec Baldwin has been all over the news headlines lately after being kicked off an American Airline flight for refusing to turn off his device while playing the game, "Words With Friends".

This weekend, Baldwin was featured on Saturday Night Live in a spoof that poked fun at the incident.

Saturday Night Live/NBC

Baldwin, posing as an airline pilot Captain Steve Rogers, came on saying he needed to apologize to Alec Baldwin.  

"It was very important for me to come here tonight," Captain Rogers said, "on behalf of everyone at American Airlines to issue an apology to Mr. Alec Baldwin."

In the Seth Meyers "Weekend Update," Seth turns to him and says, "Alec, are you sure this is the right way to handle this?"

"Keep going," Alec whispers. The audience was filled with laughter as the skit continued.

Meyers asks the Captain, "Don't phones interfere with the communications system?"

Captain Rogers responds, "Oh you don't believe that, do you Seth? Would you really get on an airplane that flew 30,000 feet in the air if you thought one kindle switch could take it down?"

"Come on," he says. "It's just a cruel joke perpetrated by the airline industry and we would have gotten away with it but Alec Baldwin was just too smart for us."

The SNL spoof aired on Saturday by poking fun at himself and making fun of the whole situation.

In this surprise appearance, some wonder was it really that funny or even necessary to continue in his slaughter against the airline?  Viewers can Watch the episode here.

Rachel Crow Meltdown on X-Factor

Rachel Crow breaks down in tears after being sent home from X-Factor.  Some are now questioning whether age is a factor in these types of reality shows. The 12-year collapsed in front of the live audience after it was determined she would be sent home.

Credit: Ray Mickshaw/FOX

In her ‘save me’ song, the young talent gave a rising performance of “I’d Rather Go Blind” by Etta James. It was up to judges who they would send home; Rachel Crow or Marcus Canty. The judges gave their reactions and voted who should be sent home. It was left up to final judge Nicole Scherzinger.

“I can’t do this,” Nicole responded.  If Nicole chooses Marcus, he would go home. If she chooses Rachel, it would go to deadlock. The audience would decide.

“I have to go to deadlock,” Nicole said wiping tears from her eyes.

The audience eliminated young Rachel. It was an emotional moment for everyone on stage. Collapsing into tears, Rachel’s mother comes running to her aide. Rachel’s meltdown was seen live. “Mommy,” she cries. “You promised me.”

In this emotionally awkward moment, many are asking if the competition and stress is too much for young talent.  Watch the elimination here.

It was just several weeks ago when 15-year-old Astro sparked anger after finding himself in the bottom two. Young Astro almost refused to sing in the elimination round and Simon was quick to respond. Later Astro apologized for his reaction.

This season’s X-Factor has showcased some great talent. Rachel Crow’s talent is strong. She is still a winner. This young girl is just entering her dreams of super-stardom. She is definitely going places.

The final four contestants now remain: Chris Rene, Josh Krajcik, Melanie Amaro, and Marcus Canty. Who will win X-Factor?

Watch performances on the Fox Network on Wednesdays with Thursday’s live elimination round.