BREAKING NEWS

James Franco bailed on UCLA's commencement ceremony on June 3, 2009.

This will be the second year in a row that we have lost a commencement speaker. (Bill Clinton dropped out last year)

Some people on the list of backups have been mentioned but the one that stood out most in my mind is a one -of- a- kind gingerheaded talk show host who's moving to LA for his new gig.

My friend Michelle Castillo works at Entertainment Weekly and one of the writers called NBC to see if they could get said host to come to UCLA and speak at our commencement ceremony.

NBC apparently LOOOVEES the idea and are in negotiations to speak with him about it TODAY!!!

So...come Friday, I may have this man at my commencement ceremony...

This man is Conan O' Brien, BTW

EEEEEEEEKK!!!!

Update: Conan, unfortunately, was unable to attend our commencement. He has, you know, like an entire new show to run. He released the following statement explaining why he couldn't make it:

“I am honored to be asked but I am so busy launching ‘The Tonight Show‘ there just is not enough time to give this speech the preparation it deserves. I wish everyone in the class of 2009 the best and I am honored that they thought of me."

Just when we thought all hope was lost, Linkin Park guitarist, Brad Delson came to our rescue. Delson was a 1999 UCLA grad and a truly stellar great example of someone who came out of the University of California, Los Angeles. He majored in Communications Studies, graduating summa sum laude and then went on to a successful musical career with his band, Linkin Park, garnering Grammy awards and hit singles.

But he didn't let success get to his head. Delson gives back to society by participating in several non-profits like, Music for Relief and to his school with the Delson Scholarship Fund at UCLA.

After hearing Delson speak at our commencement, I wasn't at all disappointed by the lack of "big name stature" or "fame" or "prestige" that our keynote speaker had. Instead, I was inspired by the boldness of this former Bruin's decision to follow his passion and dive into an uncertain, shaky world with a millionth of a chance of success while his peers took safe and structured routes to their future. I was motivated by his ability to have "made it" but to not take his success for granted. I was enchanted by his easy-going smile and self-deprecating humorous attitude. I was more than entertained by his awesome speech. I felt a sense of kinship, because 10 years ago, Delson was exactly like us (even more close to me, being a Comm. Studies major). And I think these are more important feelings that a keynote speaker should spark within the graduating class than any Tonight Show leftover jokes can give.

Below is pt.1 of Delson's commencement speech held at the UCLA Letters and Sciences commencement last Friday, June 12. I'm not sure how long you would be able to view the clip on my site before Youtube yanks it down but you can catch it on Youtube by typing in, "Brad Delson UCLA."

Um, so in other news, I'VE GRADUATED! Massive update soon!

Please excuse the lack of updates in recent weeks.

I get irritated at bloggers who all of a sudden abandon their ship and fail to update anymore so trust me, I refuse to become one of them. I've been taking a break from blogging though in order to focus on the shouldn't-be-but-suprisingly-is rather difficult task of graduating!!!! Must turn in those final papers and study EXTRA HARD for that last final, y'all. And then I will see you again. Meanwhile, here is a snippet of wisdom that I aspire to reach.

Just Dance

Sing-A-Long

Spring Sing is my favorite UCLA event of all time.  I remember the first time I went, I was blown away by the exceptional talents, from the singing acts who wrote all their own songs and played all their own music, to the dancing hip hop teams, to the unbeatable company. Company is a group of students who act as the hosts of the talent show and provide entertainment in between sets and competition.  

When I attended my first Spring Sing my second year, company was the sh*t. 

They were hilarious, crazy and undeniably talented.  I left the concert talking about them for days and watching the Youtube videos over and over again.  I attended my second Spring Sing solely for the purpose of watching them and them alone.  They fared well but were less funny. (And no, that's not because I auditioned for them but didn't make the team, ok?!) This year, I was determined to make the team but alas, the stars didn't align for me and I failed to audition. I settled for sitting in the sidelines and enjoying the show...

And boy did I enjoy it, we got to enjoy this year's Spring Sing in the comfort of the warm and roomier Pauley Pavilion. Never seen anyone dribble balls here, might as well watch people strum some guitars instead.
Julie Andrews received the annual George & Ira Gershwin Award! I do love me some Mary Poppins.  I love her grace, wit and beautiful voice but mostly, I love the story of how she was the original My Fair Lady in the Broadway production of the story. However, when it came time to cast for the movie, Hollywood chose Audrey Hepburn for having a more classic and elegant look. But when Oscar time came, Andrews got the justice she deserved by winning over Hepburn for her role in Mary Poppins. Who's classy and elegant now, huh?  Good choice, SAA!

That's Julie, for those of you who can't see.  Yea, I know we had nosebleed seats but we had fun so it was all good.

Company was much better this year. Not as mind-blowing as my first Spring Sing but the jokes were wittier and much more intelligent. It wasn't as laugh out loud humor but more of a chuckle to self. I enjoyed it.  Here is my favorite skit of the night; the trailer for Rain: H2O...NO.

Here is the winner of the best skit of the night; the IPHONE/Jai Ho song and dance routine, created by none other than fellow LCCer and dear friend, Shane Billings! Congrats, Shane, you talented schmuck, you!

I couldn't help but wonder where Shane could have gotten his award-winning skit idea from...hmmmm.....

LCC does JaiHo

looks just a tad familiar, wouldn't you say?

Anyway, congrats to all my talented friends who performed throughout the evening; Evelyn, Jarrell, Shane, Christine and more! I am proud to know you. =)