Stars slam ‘bathroom bill’

Oscar winner Jennifer Lawrence and musicians Lady Gaga and Alicia Keys are among more than 140 artists and celebrities condemning a Texas “bathroom bill,” targeting transgender people.

Britney Spears and late-night host Jimmy Kimmel also signed a letter on Tuesday criticizing the Republican-backed efforts as a “denial of basic human dignity.” The bill would require people to use bathrooms that correspond to the sex on their birth certificate.

It’s similar to a North Carolina law that prompted rockers Pearl Jam and Bruce Springsteen to cancel concerts in that state last year.

The Texas bill has yet to receive even a preliminary vote but public pressure is ratcheting up.

Last week, the NFL suggested that Texas could be passed over for future Super Bowl sites if the proposal became law.

source: entertainment.inquirer.net

Liam Neeson imitates Pacquiao

MANILA, Philippines—He may be known as an all-knowing and regal Jedi master that transcended a galaxy far, far away to fight Islamic kidnappers, but he can tuck away his light-saber and show off his funny side.

Liam Neeson, the narrator of the film “Manny,” imitated Manny Pacquiao after the eight-division World champion sent the award-winning actor video message.

“Hello Liam, I look forward to meeting you,” said the 6-foot-4 actor trying his best to imitate the 5-foot-7 boxer in a guesting on Jimmy Kimmel live. “I’m showing it to everybody.”


Neeson, who has not met Pacquiao, said that he has been a Pacman fan for “many many years.”

“What a boxer. He’s the greatest,” the Taken star said.

source: sports.inquirer.net

New Aerosmith Album Due in Three Months, Band Confirms

At a press conference at the Grove mall in Los Angeles, just around the corner from the American Idol studio, the members of Aerosmith (minus guitarist Brad Whitford) bravely stepped into the sunshine and proved that they don't melt in daylight. After being introduced by Jimmy Kimmel – "Aerosmith are literally walking this way" – the band confirmed that their Global Warming tour will kick off on June 16th in Minneapolis; it's currently scheduled through August 8th, with Cheap Trick rocking the opening slot.

But the big news was that the band's 15th studio album, their first in eight years, is almost done and should be released in roughly three months. "We've been underground for four months, doing what we do best," said Steven Tyler, who was wearing a half-buttoned shimmery red polka dot shirt. "We got two more songs to finish" before mixing, he added. Among the song titles on the album are "Legendary Child," "Beautiful" and "Out Go the Lights."

Tyler and his bandmate Joe Perry seemed comfortable with one another. Tyler mentioned how happy he was that the guitarist performed "Happy Birthday" to mark his 64th on Idol, and when Perry was asked about the perks of having a TV star in the band, he said drily, "He gives us free sunglasses."

As the band left the stage, Tyler issued a promise to Aerosmith fans: "We will not let you down."

source: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/new-aerosmith-album-due-in-three-months-band-confirms-20120328