Help, Help Help... my iPad (the original one) and all of a sudden I cannot open programs and use them... as soon as they open or almost open, it closes... and I can't even find my kindle books anymore...

You may reset or restore your iPad for a try, this can fix many general iPad problems.

Resetting should work. If not wipe the iPad and reinstall the IOS in recovery mode (http://www.ipadforums.net/ipad-help/2987-how-put-your-ipad-into-recovery-mode.html) here are some good instructions make sure you are backed up.