Jay Paterno

‘Sometimes there are moments in life,’ writes Jay Paterno, ‘days not labeled as a Thanksgiving holiday, when we are moved to give thanks or re-evaluate our faith.’

He likes David Sedaris, Pure Cane Sugar, Squaw Valley and Penn State football. He has 399 friends (thanks for keeping that straight, Facebook!)—and they like the Nittany Lions, too.

For many locals, the strongest memories are from fall. Jay Paterno recalls throwing a football above the north end zone of Memorial Field—and dressing up as a CATA bus for Halloween.

This past Sunday morning, Jay Paterno woke up with the knowledge that Penn State had lost a big game. Even worse: His son wouldn’t talk to him.

‘No matter what the loudmouths may rail against, the right for each of us to worship in his or her own way is fundamental to our freedom,’ Jay Paterno writes.

Most Americans are generations removed from their own immigration experience. My own story: A great-grandfather Paterno came to America and opened a barbershop in Brooklyn.

On the practice field there’s a blue line you cross as you step onto the field. The blue line is a tangible reminder that you are crossing into a place where all of your focus and all of your attention should be on the practice ahead.

‘Sources’ say Joe Paterno has purchased an hour of airtime on the Big Ten Network to announce his decision for the 2010 starting quarterback.