James Franco Backs Out of UCLA Grad Speech Amid 'Role Model' Debate

Actor James Franco says he has dropped a plan to give a commencement speech at the University of California, Los Angeles, a move that may have been prompted by pressure from students.

Franco issued a statement saying he canceled his June 12 appearance because of conflicts with preproduction demands for his next film.

However, the "Pineapple Express" star had been the object of opposition from students who said he was not the right fit for the commencement speech.

"The problem with him as a speaker comes down to the fact he was a peer for so many of us," UCLA senior Erin Moore said. "He was in our class. He's not a role model. And he hasn't had time to accomplish anything with his degree."

Franco, 31, enrolled at UCLA in 1996 and graduated last year with a degree in creative writing. He would have been the youngest person and most recent graduate to deliver a commencement speech at UCLA.

Soon after the commencement announcement in March, Moore set up a Facebook page called "UCLA Students Against James Franco as Commencement Speaker." Hundreds joined, and Moore estimated about 80 percent of them are UCLA students.  Hmmm what do I think?  Well, true the man has not accomplished much with his degree but then again schools have had persons like President Obama, Nancy Pelosi, and numerous other political and entertainment types speak at schools this year and to be honest, many of those students would of rather of had someone like Franco instead of who they had.  

I think the students have a right to feel the way they do BUT lets be honest here.  Franco has done more than any of them even before getting his degree from that school so perhaps they could listen to him give a speech being it that he DOES have a job.   Something that they may be in need of since we're currently in a global recession.

Kill Bill - Kill David?

David Carradine's Family Asks For FBI's Help

After Carradine’s half-brother, Keith Carradine, met Friday with FBI officials in Los Angeles, those officials contacted the FBI's legal attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok “to determine if the Thai authorities are requesting or would welcome FBI assistance in this matter,” FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimilller says.  . She adds there is no word yet as to whether Thai authorities will invite the FBI to join their investigation. 

Keith Carradine, 59, “wants authorities to investigate his brother’s death, and to determine if anyone else was involved,” says Keith Carradine’s attorney, Mark Geragos, who arranged Friday’s meeting with the FBI.  My thoughts... This was accidental death due to Kinky sex if you ask me.  Since we are not hearing that the body had any wounds from a struggle or the like.  Carradine's ex wife is even reported to have testified to such "kinky" things during their divorce and her claims are a matter of public record. (although the divorce decree was suppose to be sealed it appears that it was filed into the wrong area and other agencies have gotten their hands on the juicy little document.).  I guess you have to give it to the guy.  For being 72 years old and still having it in him to get "kinky". 

Whitney Houston Poised for a Comeback?

Whitney Houston released her last studio album of original songs in 2002 - since then, she has dealt with substance abuse issues, a messy and public breakup with husband Bobby Brown, rehab and a recurring, less-than-flattering impression performed by Maya Rudoplh on 'SNL.'

In a few months, Houston will have a chance to remind her fans of the talent that preceded the drama, as the pop singer's comeback album will be released in September.

Houston's official website proclaims, "The wait is over!" and features a countdown to the album's release. Several tracks will be previewed on the site during the coming weeks.  I do have my reservations on this one.  It's been reported that Ms. Thang will do interviews but will not discuss "substance abuse".  And therein lies the problem.  If Whitney is not willing to speak about what has happened to her honestly WHY would I want to support such a person by purchasing their album?  As far as I'm concerned she ranks up there with the likes of Amy Winehouse - heck, she was the train wreck even before Amy.  At least Britney took an honest look within herself and pulled her shit together and has returned to her craft.  So what say you all?