Lawrence.com

'Frasier' finally graduates

"Frasier" star Kelsey Grammer told graduates Sunday the three keys to real-world success are talent, intention and tenacity. Speaking at the 131st commencement at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, the Emmy Award-winning actor quoted from a book given to him by his grandmother when he was a child: "Work out your own solutions. Do not go back. Do not become a sluggard in the race."

Grammer attended Julliard, but never received his degree. He said that made an honorary degree he received Sunday more meaningful. "Two years into it, they kicked me out, or disinvited me, as I prefer to call it," he said. "Coming as I do from a long line of college graduates, this was particularly painful. ... With this, the noble bones of my ancestors can finally rest in peace."

Fifth Beatle hospitalized

Singer-songwriter and keyboardist Billy Preston remained hospitalized Saturday after being diagnosed with chronic end stage kidney disease. Preston, who was touring as a member of Eric Clapton's band, was taken to a Nashville, Tenn., hospital Wednesday and listed in stable condition, manager Joyce Moore said. Preston's condition is thought to be caused by high blood pressure. Preston is best known for his work with the Beatles and Rolling Stones. His hits include "Nothing From Nothing Leaves Nothing," "Will It Go Round in Circles?" and "You Are So Beautiful To Me."

Won't you be my alumni?

Fred Rogers encouraged Middlebury College graduates Sunday to be true to themselves, have compassion for others and remember those who have inspired them. "The outside things of life are not the really important things," Rogers said. "It's our insides that make up who we are, that allow us to dream and wonder and feel for others. That's what's essential. That's what will always make the biggest difference in our world." Rogers, who received an honorary doctorate from the Vermont college, opened his address by singing, "It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood."

Brokaw no 'Survivor' fan

Ever dream of gaining fame and fortune as a contestant on a reality show such as "Survivor"? Well, don't expect any encouragement from Tom Brokaw. The veteran NBC News anchor expresses distaste for today's "smackdown mentality" and "the quick application of the phrase 'celebrity' or 'star' to someone of no real achievement."

"I don't get it. I spend a lot of time in the outdoors and a lot of time in difficult places under trying circumstances � and it ain't the same if you've got a helicopter and a network crew standing by to pluck you out of there. So it always seems quite contrived to me," Brokaw tells TV Guide Online.