Magical Sailor Fuku

Kicking off this year's list, Bob Anderson---an Olympic fencer who, amongst other things, was responsible for Darth Vader's fight scenes in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi---died on the 1st of the month. He was 89.

Cracker Barrel founder Dan Evins has passed away. Cracker Barrel is a chain of southern-style restraunts that serve country fried steak and other dinners. Their usual patrons are older people. Cracker Barrel also has a general store/gift shop restraunt theme.

My brother used to say that the place was meant for older people. I say, "it's also meant for people in their 20s who think that the burgers and macaroni & cheese taste awesome". I've always liked the general store/restaurant combo.

I'd say more, but I think you have the gist of it. Shutting up now.

On Jan. 12, 2012, they officially declared missing Alabama co-ed Natalie Halloway deceased. Natalie Halloway went missing in Aruba during a Spring Break trip in 2005. Joran Van Der Sloot, a Dutch national who lived in Aruba, was linked to her dissapearance. Evidence showed van Der Sloot was the last person to see Natalie alive, after Natalie allegedly got drunk at a bar and left in Van Der Sloot's car. Joran Van Der Sloot is now in a Peruvian jail for the murder of a Peruvian girl he was last seen with. Van Der Sloot killed the pervian girl in his hotel room after she saw information on her laptop linking Van Der Sloot to Natalie halloway's disapearance. Van Der Sloot extorted money from Natalie's mother in exchange for information about where he buried Natalie. Her body was never recovered and assumed lost at sea, where Van Der Sloot claimed he dumped her body. They made a tv movie on Lifetime about it, and Beth Halloway has turned her attention to find missing children on the Lifetime show, Missing with Beth Halloway.

Etta James has died, aged 73

Joe Paterno, former Penn State Nitany Lions college football coach, has died from cancer at age 85. He resigned during the Jerry Sandusky sexual abuse scandal.

Actually, he WAS going to resign at the end of the season, but he was actually fired over it all before the end of the season.

Robert Hegyes, 60, best known for portraying Juan Epstein on Welcome Back Kotter, died. Epstein was a Puerto Rican of Jewish ancestory who had excuse notes signed Epstein's mother.

Ian Ambercrombie, age 77, died. He played Elaine's eccentric boss, Mr. Pitt, who wanted no salt on his pretzels and was a hypocondriac. Mr. Pitt eventually fired Elaine over the salty pretzels. He also had a recurring role where he played Professor Crumb, the headmaster of WizTech (based of of Professor Dumbledore from Harry Potter), on Wizards of Waverly Place.

BTW, Got to watch the final episode "Who will be the Family Wizard?" SPOILER ALERT! Prof. Crumb announces his retirement from headmaster and made Justin the headmaster of Wiztech in his stead, then confers upon Alex (Selena Gomez) the title of Russo family wizard because she helped Justin untangle his foot from a root he tripped over before they got to the finish line. Max lost his powers and got the sub shop.

Ian Ambercrombie also voiced Palpatine/Darth Sidious for the Star Wars: The Clone Wars show, and for Episode V: The Empire Strikes back.

Oh wow, I didn't know that happened. He was a good actor. That's too bad. It's also very sad.
's too

Don Cornelius, long time host of the popular 1970's dance show Soul Train, has been found dead at his home at 75. Looks like he caught the SOOOOOUL TRAAAAIN! to Hell! (Committed suicide)

Angelo Dundee, the cornerman for former Boxing champion Muhammad Ali (Cassius Clay) has died at the age of 90.

Whitney Houson, 48, was found dead by her Bodyguard.

they don't know what caused the death.

Whitney Houston's daughter is in the hospital. Houston's alleged drug abuse is suspected.

David Kelly, 82, best known for playing Grandpa Joe (Charlie Bucket's grandpa) in the Tim Burton "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory", has passed away.