Elvis Costello cancels Israel concerts
TEL AVIV, Israel, May 19 (UPI) -- British rock icon Elvis Costello says on his Web site he has decided to cancel two planned concerts in Israel.
Costello, 55, was scheduled to perform in the country June 30 and July 1.
"There are occasions when merely having your name added to a concert schedule may be interpreted as a political act that resonates more than anything that might be sung and it may be assumed that one has no mind for the suffering of the innocent," the musician said on his Web site during the weekend.
Costello also offered his "sincere apologies" to ticket holders, concert organizers and media affected by his decision.
"Sometimes a silence in music is better than adding to the static and so an end to it," he said. "I cannot imagine receiving another invitation to perform in Israel, which is a matter of regret, but I can imagine a better time when I would not be writing this. With the hope for peace and understanding, Elvis Costello."
Travolta's dogs killed at Maine airport
BANGOR, Maine, May 19 (UPI) -- Maine's Bangor International Airport says two of film star John Travolta's dogs were killed in an accident on the premises last week.
"At approximately 1 a.m. on Thursday, May 13, 2010, an airplane carrying members of the John Travolta family landed at BIA," said a statement issued Tuesday by airport director Rebecca Hupp. "While there, two small dogs were taken for a walk by someone who is not a family member. An airport service pickup truck was approaching the airplane to service the plane and did not see the dogs. Unfortunately, the dogs were struck and killed. The airport is investigating the accident. Out of respect for the family's privacy, the city will make no further comment."
E! News said Travolta's publicist declined to comment on the story.
The "Pulp Fiction" and "Grease" star is married to actress Kelly Preston. They have one daughter together. Their teenage son Jett died last year of a seizure disorder.
Chad Ochocinco booted from 'Dancing'
LOS ANGELES, May 19 (UPI) -- Chad Ochocinco and his professional dance partner Cheryl Burke were eliminated from "Dancing with the Stars" in Los Angeles Tuesday.
"This was awesome," the NFL star said upon learning his fate. "I enjoyed the journey. I met some wonderful people and I got some great criticism that has only made me stronger ... . In my eyes, really, I've already won. I've already won, so this is good."
Going into next week's finals with their professional dance partners are Erin Andrews, Evan Lysacek and Nicole Scherzinger.
Meyers heading back to rehab
LOS ANGELES, May 19 (UPI) -- Jonathan Rhys Meyers' publicist has confirmed the Irish actor is again seeking treatment for his addiction to alcohol.
The 32-year-old star of TV's "The Tudors," and the films "Velvet Goldmine," "Bend it Like Beckham," "Match Point" and "From Paris with Love" first entered rehab in April 2007.
"He just really wants to get better," a source close to the actor told People.com. "This has been an ongoing battle for him."
Meyers' representative confirmed the actor is again seeking treatment for substance-abuse issues but declined to offer any other details, People.com said.
