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.

Remembering Pearl Harbor

U.S. Navy battleship USS Arizona (BB-39) explode shortly after 08:00 hrs
during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

On this day, we remember 70 years ago. December 7, 1941 a date which will live in infamy.

Read the words from Franklin D. Roosevelt in this famous Pearl Harbor Speech . FDR . WGBH American Experience | PBS

It was FDR's famous request for Congress on December 8, 1941 to declare war following the Japanese attacks of December 7th against Pearl Harbor.

If you see the American flag flying at half staff today, it is tradition, to honor those who died.

On this National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we reflect on what happened that day and all those lives which were lost.

Bradley Cooper Thinks Ryan Gosling is Sexiest Man Alive

Bradley Cooper is the Sexiest Man Alive according to People Magazine. In the annual unveiling of People's sexiest people, Cooper was selected number one.

Like others who were named the sexiest in the past, Cooper doesn't feel very sexy. In fact, Cooper has said he believes Ryan Gosling actually deserves the title.



Bradley Cooper                            Ryan Gosling

    Photo Credit Wenn                      Photo Credit IMDb

Both actors are qualified figures in Hollywood. Both actors have contributed greatly in the movie industry. With amazing films under their belts, Cooper and Gosling are the "new sexy for young Hollywood."

Recently Cooper said, "It's so awful that I'm admitting this but the hell with it -- there was such a backlash to when they announced it. Ryan Gosling, who I love and I just did a movie with him, he's the greatest."

Cooper is still trying to come to terms with his new title. These are high expectations.

He says,"It's the worst! It's just so awful. I'm finally at an age, I'm 36 years old, where I really don't care about anything like that anymore, which is a wonderful thing. Then this sexy title happened and I started to realise how not sexy I am. I have a lot of moments where I'll be walking out, I open up the door and think, 'I could do that a lot sexier. That was not very sexy at all!'"

Of course, many would say Cooper doesn't have to do much to be sexy. The man is charismatic and charming. He elegantly speaks fluent French and his humbling traits illustrate just how sexy the star can be. This does not discount the rising star of Ryan Gosling. The actor who is just starting to see his star shine, in his recent movie, Crazy, Stupid Love, Gosling is irresistible. He lacks nothing and resembles the true sexy. The film gives Gosling his due and his charm splashes all over the screen.

When Cooper talks about Gosling he sees it too. "There's him walking around and he literally looks like he's in a photo shoot, like he just came off the runway," Cooper said.

If fans want to know more about these two Hollywood hunks, check out their profiles. Ryan Gosling has movie credits including The Notebook and Fracture. Bradley Cooper starred in movies like The Hangover and Limitless.  These actors are seasoned with charisma, charm and good looks.

Which one is sexier? That's all in perspective. All the woman just sigh!

Billy Graham in Hospital Being Treating for Pneumonia

Evangelist Billy Graham, 93, is in the hospital and being treated for pneumonia. Officials say he is in great spirits and reportedly in stable condition at the hospital in Asheville, North Carolina.  

It was just last May that the Christian televangelist was treated for pneumonia. His declining health over the years has not stopped him from continuing his good news message.

Billy Graham's latest book, "Nearing Home: Life, Faith and Finishing Well" are inspirational reflections over his life. The book exemplifies Graham's faith and discusses topics like aging gracefully.

In the book he says, "As I look back, I see how God’s hand guided me. I sense His Spirit with me today, and most comforting is the knowledge that He will not forsake me during this last stretch as I am nearing home."

On Wednesday night, Graham was admitted to the hospital after suffering with cough, congestion, and fever. Initial tests and X-rays were performed and the doctors admitted Graham for treatment of pneumonia. Reports state he is resting comfortably and responding well to the antibiotics. 

No discharge date has yet been set, however Graham is hopeful he will be home by Christmas.

CMA Christmas Special

Country music artists celebrated Christmas in their annual CMA Christmas special. The country legends performed classic Christmas songs with behind the scenes interviews.

Vince Gill and Amy Grant talk about their favorite Christmas memory.

During the 2-hour television special, CMA Country Christmas on ABC Television, country musicians talked about their favorite Christmas memories.

Joined by members of their family, these artists gave a glimpse into their personal lives and what Christmas means to each of them.

The Country Christmas special was hosted by Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland.

Singing the Christmas classics, performances included Darius Rucker, Martina McBride, Faith Hill, Keith Urban, Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Rascal Flatts and American Idol stars Scotty McCreery, Kellie Pickler, and Lauren Aliana. With special performances by Brian Setzer and Brad Paisley.

CMA Country Christmas, a two-hour concert special aired Thursday (Dec. 1) at 9 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. The special featured numerous holiday classics as well as fireside chats with the artists and their families.

A tremendous blend of Christmas traditions and grand performances, this television special was one not to miss. If you didn't get a chance to see the program, catch the rerun online at ABC Television Network. This program will repeat Saturday, December 17 from 9:00-11:00 p.m., ET.