Famous commencement speeches

Famous commencement speeches

 Famous Graduation Speakers The world of academia is abuzz over one university's decision to pay a big fee for a reality TV celebrity over a renowned author to headline their 2011 graduation. Celebrity commencement speeches have become commonplace. The fad can be traced to the infamous "sunscreen speech." Check out the most interesting commencements in academic history.


Toni Morrison

At a 2004 liberal arts graduation, the prolific writer said:

 "You are your own stories and therefore free to imagine and experience what it means to be human without wealth. What it feels like to be human without domination over others, without reckless arrogance, without fear of others unlike you, without rotating, rehearsing and reinventing the hatreds you learned in the sandbox." 

entire speech.

Bio | Photos 

Steve Jobs

Apple chief Jobs offered no-nonsense advice to the 2005 Stanford grads. His health issues may have added weight to his speech.

 "Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma—which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice." 

Watch the speech.

Bio | Photos

Dolly Parton

Parton spoke to 2009 University of Tennessee grads about brains, dreams and breasts.

 "I think people will remember us for who we were, not how many records we sell, or how much money we make. Because I have always said that I have always counted my blessings far more often than I've counted my money." 

Watch the speech.

Bio | Photos

Bono

When the U2 front man spoke to 2004 University of Pennsylvania grads, he used humor to lead into a vital topic.

 "Wishing for the end to AIDS and extreme poverty in Africa is like wishing that gravity didn't make things so damn heavy. We can wish it, but what the hell can we do about it? Well, more than we think. We can't fix every problem … but the ones we can, we must." 

entire speech.

Bio | Photos

Will Ferrell

Ferrell delivered a hilarious speech at Harvard in 2003.

 "One of the challenges you will be faced with is finding a job in our depressed economy.  In fact, the chances of landing a decent job are about as good as finding weapons of mass destruction in the Iraqi desert.  Slim and none.  And Slim just left the building." 

Watch the speech.

Bio | Photos

Sacha Baron Cohen

Baron Cohen, who graduated from a top university, produced hilarity and provoked security at Harvard as his Ali G persona.

"What did Lincoln give American, apart from the Town Car?" 

Watch the speech.

Bio | Photos

 J.K. Rowling

The "Harry Potter" author spoke candidly and topically to Harvard grads in 2008.

 "We do not need magic to change the world; we carry all the power we need inside ourselves already: We have the power to imagine better."

 Watch the speech.

Bio | Photos

President Barack Obama

President Obama took some heat for his view on a big issue prior to this 2009 Notre Dame speech.

 "You are about to enter the next phase of your life at a time of great uncertainty. You will be called upon to help restore a free market that is also fair to all who are willing to work; to seek new sources of energy that can save our planet; to give future generations the same chance that you had to receive an extraordinary education." 

Watch the speech

Bio | Photos

President Kennedy got down to the basics during his rousing speech at American University in 1963.

 "For in the final analysis, our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this small planet, we all breathe the same air, we all cherish our children's futures, and we are all mortal."

Watch the speech.

Bio | Photos

Ellen DeGeneres

The multi-Emmy winner returned to her hometown to give the Class of 2009 some real-world advice.

"Life is like one big Mardi Gras, but instead of showing your boobs, show people your brain, and if they like what they see, you'll have more beads than you know what do with."

 Watch the speech.

Bio | Photos

Conan O'Brien

O'Brien reminisced at his alma mater in 2000 and gave grads a wake-up call.

 "As you leave these gates and re-enter society, one thing is certain: Everyone out there is going to hate you."

Watch the speech.

Bio | Photos

His Holiness the Dalai Lama

The Tibetan spiritual leader comprised the importance of education with a compassionate worldview in his 1998 speech at Emory University.

 "A good person means someone with a good heart, a sense of caring for the welfare of others, a sense of commitment, a sense of responsibility. Education and the warm heart, the compassion heart—if you combine these two, then your education and knowledge will be constructive. Then you are yourself on the way to becoming a happy person." 

entire speech.

Bio | Photos

source

Read More

Wills of the rich and famous

Wills of the Rich and Famous

The details of a person’s will often provide insight into their true feelings about who they trusted and, in some instances, offer a way to settle a score. Find out who left millions to their pet, bequeathed money to an ex-lover and more in this list of fascinating and quirky wills of the rich and famous.


Elizabeth Edwards
July 3, 1949 – Dec. 7, 2010

The will of attorney and health care activist Elizabeth Edwards omitted her famous estranged husband. Find out who she named executor of her estate just six days before her passing.


Leona Helmsley
July 4, 1920 – August 20, 2007

Billionaire New York hotelier Leona Helmsley famously left a staggering amount to a non-family member. Living up to her nickname, some family members were left nothing. Helmsley also took care to ensure she and her beneficiary would be near each other even after death.

Janis Joplin
Jan. 19, 1943 – Oct. 4, 1970

Singing legend Janis Joplin wanted people to keep partying after she passed. Find out what she did. An Academy Award nominated actress has been tapped to play the raspy-voiced crooner in an upcoming film

Michael Jackson
August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009

Michael Jackson, one of the most commercially successful entertainers of all time, cut someone out of his will. He left his three children in the care of a family member. One very important detail was left out of Jackson’s will. His estate was placed into a family trust.

Anna Nicole Smith
Nov. 28, 1967 – Feb. 8, 2007

Former Playboy model and reality TV star Anna Nicole Smith left her entire estate to her late son and named her then-boyfriend executor. The will didn’t mention Smith's daughter, Dannielynn.

The now nearly 4-year-old Dannielynn is not entitled to a single penny from Smith's husband, oil tycoon J. Howard Marshall, a court ruled last year.

Murky language in the will lead to a battle over Smith’s final resting place, the true father of her child and who stood to inherit from her death.

Princess Diana
July 1, 1961 – August 31, 1997

The last will and testament of England’s beloved Princess Diana, perplexed many by leaving a substantial sum to her butler.

She bequeathed nearly her entire estate to her two sons, one of whom is recently engaged.

Marilyn Monroe

Hollywood bombshell Marilyn Monroe left a fellow actor her personal effects to be distributed among her friends. What did he do with the items instead?

A decision was handed down in 2008 that could cost her estate millions after a battle over her residency determined Norma Jeane lived in New York at the time of her death.

Her Brentwood, California home was sold last year.

John F. Kennedy
May 29, 1917 – Nov. 22, 1963

One of the United States’ most popular presidents, John F. Kennedy, left his wife Jackie Kennedy a surprisingly small amount of cash


Babe Ruth
February 6, 1895 – August 16, 1948

Baseball legend Babe Ruth left a long list of his possessions to his wife, Clara May Ruth. “The Great Bambino” left his wife and two daughters a modest sum compared to the amount he bequeathed his sister.


Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
July 28, 1929 – May 19, 1994

Former FLOTUS and style icon Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis did not name any of her children as executors of her will. Who got the job?

Kennedy Onassis’ children, Caroline and John, were left with the bulk of her estate, which included a New York City apartment and special instructions.

Frank Sinatra

Though a surprising clause in Frank Sinatra’s will suggests tension among family members, Ol’ Blue Eyes to his ex-wife and their three children.

Sinatra’s gifts extended beyond his family including to a long-time friend and owner of his favorite restaurant.


Farrah Fawcett
Feb. 2, 1947 – June 25, 2009

Former “Charlie’s Angels” star Farrah Fawcett  shocked the public when it was revealed she left ex-boyfriend Gregory Lott a sum of money  and completely cut out her long-time partner and the father of her child.

Read More

Famous People's Final Words

 

Famous people's final words

Famous people's final words

Famous people's final words should be, well, famous. But since most people don't know which words will be their last, those final utterances can be revealing, touching or just odd. We've rounded up the reported last words of some memorable people, from George Washington to Bob Marley to Princess Diana.

Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah

Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah

Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah

 Claim to fame: December 25, 1876 – September 11, 1948) was a 20th century Father of the Nation uaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah's achievement as the lawyer, politician, statesman founder of Pakistan, dominates everything else he did in his long and crowded public life spanning some 42 years.

Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah

Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah

George Washington

George Washington

Claim to fame: He led troops in the American Revolution.He later became the first president of the United States. Here are his first words in office in 1789.
Last words: (historians disagree between these three):
* "It is well, I die hard, but I am not afraid to go."
* "I am just going. Have me decently buried; and don't let my body be put into the vault in less than three days after I am dead. Do you understand?
* "'Tis well, 'Tis well."
(d. Dec. 14, 1799)

President Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln

Claim to fame: America's Civil War president and stirring orator. Lincoln also wrote this document, which officially freed slaves in the South.
Last words: "They won't think anything about it," (after Mary Todd Lincoln asked him what the patrons of Ford's Theater might think of two old people holding hands)
(d. April 15, 1865)

President John F. Kennedy

John F. Kennedy

Claim to fame: The 35th and youngest-elected American president  was also considered an inspiring speaker 
Last words: "If someone is going to kill me, they will kill me," (on arriving in Dallas in 1963).
(d. Nov. 22, 1963)

Joan Crawford

Joan Crawford

Claim to fame: Actress known for glamour  and over-the-top self-promotion. Crawford became infamous known as a mean mom -- at least according to this author. The book became a bigger-than-life movie  and sparked a campy quote that lives on.
Last words: "Damn it ... Don't you dare ask God to help me." (Who did she say them to?)

(d. May 10, 1977)

Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley

Claim to fame: "The King" was arguably the most popular singer of his time.He also was a movie star.He became a superstar
Last words: "I hope I haven't bored you," (ending his last press conference).
Other reports say his last words were: "Okay, I won't" (last words spoken to this woman, who told him on the way to the bathroom not to "fall asleep in there.")
(d. Aug. 16, 1977)

James Dean

James Dean

Claim to fame: Iconic, ill-fated talented actor who will forever be known as the face of rebellious youth in the 1950s. Here he is in his few movies - "East of Eden," "Rebel Without a Cause"
Last words: "That guy's got to stop ... he'll see us."
(d. Sept. 30, 1955)

Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe

Claim to fame: Sex symbol and Hollywood movie icon of the 1950s.  Conventional wisdom said she had affairs with this man and his brother.
Last words: "Say goodbye to Pat (who?), say goodbye to Jack (see previous sentence) and say goodbye to yourself, because you're a nice guy." (Who did she say that to?)
(d. Aug. 4, 1962)

Tammy Faye Messner

Tammy Faye Messner

Claim to fame: You may remember her as Tammy Faye Bakker, teary co-host of The PTL Club. Her ex-husband was a preacher, but he ended up in prison. 
Last words: "I'm in the hands of Jesus."
(d. July 20, 2007)

Tim Russert

Tim Russert

Claim to fame: Highly-regarded TV journalist, longtime moderator of NBC's "Meet The Press."  One of his first jobs was as a worker for a fiery Democratic Senator. He gained fame penning a book about his dad -
Last words: "What's happening?" (What did he mean?) spoken as a greeting to a colleague)

Frank Sinatra

Frank Sinatra

Claim to fame: Idolized singer of the 1940s,  successful actor of the '50s and member of this celebrity gang.
Last words: "I'm losing." Other sources say, "I'm losing it." (according to his daughter)
(d. May 14, 1998)

Barry White

Barry White

Claim to fame: Versatile, multi-award-winning R&B artist, master of soulful, smooth pop music in the 1970s..
Last words: "Leave me alone. I'm fine."
(d. July 4, 2003)

Edgar Allan Poe

Edgar Allan Poe

Claim to fame: One of America's most famous writers of the 19th century, known for tales steeped in darkness, mystery and death.
Last words: "Lord, help my poor soul."
(d. Oct. 7, 1849)

Virginia Woolf

Virginia Woolf

Claim to fame: One of the last century's most important authors, feminists and essayists; wrote classic "A Room of One's Own."
Last words: "I feel certain that I'm going mad again. I feel we can't go thru another of those terrible times. And I shan't recover this time. I begin to hear voices."
(d. March 28, 1941)

Pablo Picasso

Pablo Picasso

Claim to fame: Renowned artist, sculptor, founder of this art form, some consider him the 20th century's most famous artist.
Last words: "Drink to me!" Other reports say "Drink to me. Drink to my health. You know I can't drink any more."
(d. April 8, 1973)

Frida Kahlo

Frida Kahlo

Claim to fame: Acclaimed Mexican artist, self-proclaimed Communist, creator of unique brand of folk art - among them vividly colored self-portraits.
Last words: "I hope the exit is joyful and hope never to return."
(d. July 13, 1954)

Marvin Gaye

Marvin Gaye

Claim to fame: Motown music's smooth hit-maker, instrumental in growth and quality of diverse styles of popular music in the 1960s and '70s.
Last words: "Mother, I'm going to get my things and get out of this house. Father hates me and I'm never coming back."
(d. April 1, 1984)

John Lennon

John Lennon

Claim to fame: A founding member of The Beatles, went on to solo singing fame; controversial and vocal opponent of this war.

Last words: "Yes, I am," (while sitting in a police car on the way to a hospital, after officers asked him if he were John Lennon)
(d. Dec. 8, 1980)

Bob Marley

Bob Marley

Claim to fame: Singer/songwriter/musician, considered the father of Jamaican reggae music and ambassador of this spiritual movement.

Last words: "Money can't buy life." (to one of his sons)
(d. May 11, 1981)

Malcolm X

Malcom X

Claim to fame: Activist, speaker and one of the nation's most influential - and controversial -- black leaders. He was also a member of this religious group.
Last words: "Cool it, brothers." Other reports say "Now, now, brothers, break it up, be cool, be calm." Still others say "Brothers, Brothers, please! This is a house of peace."
(d. Feb. 21, 1965)

Robert F. Kennedy

Robert F. Kennedy

Claim to fame: Adviser and then attorney general to his brother and president John F. Kennedy, he ran for the presidency in 1968 (watch videos of his speeches).

Last words: "Is everyone else all right?" (whispered to his wife).
(d. June 5, 1968)

Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr.

Claim to fame: Pastor, Nobel winner, acclaimed speaker , human-rights activist, champion of African-American civil rights, instrumental in success of this act passing. Read the speech he gave the day before he died.

Last words: "Make sure you play 'Take My Hand, Precious Lord.' Play it real pretty," (some disagree on the exact wording of this comment to musician Ben Branch, who was to perform at an event that evening).
(d. April 4, 1968)

Mother Teresa

Mother Teresa

Claim to fame: Humble, humanitarian Catholic nun  who gave aid and hope to sick, orphaned and dying poor of India for more than 45 years.
Last words: "Jesus, I love you. Jesus, I love you."
(d. Sept. 5, 1997)

Pope John Paul II

Pope John Paul II

Claim to fame: Polish native and beloved Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church; ( influential world leader
Last words: "Amen"
(d. April 2, 2005)

Babe Ruth

Babe Ruth

Claim to fame: Historic home-run king of American baseball, "the Bambino" was sports hero of 1920s.  

Last words: "I'm going over the valley."
(d. Aug. 16, 1948)

Joe DiMaggio

Joe DiMaggio

Claim to fame: Joltin' Joe, considered one of the greatest baseball players in history.
Last words: "I finally get to see Marilyn" (referring to his ex-wife).
(d. March 8, 1999)

Saddam Hussein

Saddam Hussein

Claim to fame: Iron-fisted dictator of Iraq for more than two decades; regime overthrown by U.S. military forces in 2003.
Last words: "I swear there is no God but Allah and Muhammad . . . "
(d. Dec. 30, 2006)

Al Capone

Al Capone

Claim to fame: Notorious Chicago gangster/mob boss who committed numerous crimes, including smuggling liquor in this era.
Last words: "You can get more with a kind word and a gun than you can get with a kind word alone."
(d. Jan. 25, 1947)

Indira Gandhi

Indira Gandhi

Claim to fame: Only female prime minister of India, she served for 15 years, working to bring progress to her country.
Last words: "I don't mind if my life goes in the service of the nation. If I die today every drop of my blood will invigorate the nation."
(d. Oct. 31, 1984)

Winston Churchill

Winston Churchill

Claim to fame: Considered one of history's greatest wartime leaders and statesmen as Britain's Prime Minister during World War II.
Last words: "I'm bored with it all."
(d. Jan. 24, 1965)

Diana Spencer

Diana Spencer

Claim to fame: Popular first wife of Prince Charles of Wales, a pretty princess who became the unceasing focus of global media. She was also a humanitarian.

Last words: "My God. What's happened?"
(d. Aug. 31, 1997)

Alex the African grey parrot

Alex the African grey parrot

Claim to fame: The subject of a 30-year scientific experiment to study the intelligence of parrots.
Last words: "You be good. See you tomorrow. I love you."

Read More