T.I. released from halfway house
ATLANTA, Sept. 29 (UPI) -- Rapper T.I. was released from an Atlanta halfway house early Thursday after serving out the rest of his term for a drug conviction, TMZ said.
T.I. was sentenced to 11 months in federal prison last September for a drug possession conviction. The arrest violated the terms of his probation for a previous federal gun conviction.
He was released from prison in August and was to serve out the remainder of his sentence at a temporary supervised home, but was sent back to jail almost immediately for two more weeks after he violated the terms of an agreement he made with authorities by traveling to the halfway house by luxury tour bus instead of a less ostentatious van.
The recording star returned to the halfway house in mid-September and was released Thursday because he didn't further violate the rules of his sentencing, the entertainment industry Web site said.
Elton John returns to Caesars Palace stage
LAS VEGAS, Sept. 29 (UPI) -- Entertainer Elton John has begun his second stint as headliner at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
His new production, "The Million Dollar Piano," opened Wednesday night. At the centerpiece of the performance is the show's namesake piano, which weighs 3,200 pounds and features more than 68 LED video screens created by Yamaha.
John's return to Caesars Palace marks the beginning of a three-year residency at The Colosseum. He is accompanied by his band, which includes Davey Johnstone on guitar, Bob Birch on bass, John Mahon on percussion, Nigel Olsson on drums and Kim Bullard on keyboards, with a special appearance by percussionist Ray Cooper.
John completed a highly successful five-year residency in 2009 at Caesars Palace with his show "The Red Piano."
Originally booked for 75 shows over the course of a three-year run, audience demand for "The Red Piano" was so overwhelming, the engagement was extended for a total of 241 shows during a five-year period, the venue said.
Cafe owner makes up with Hilary Swank
ESCALON, Calif., Sept. 29 (UPI) -- A California cafe owner said he was glad actress Hilary Swank didn't have any hard feelings after he asked her to take her dog out of his business.
Mike Weimer, owner of Leonardo's Cafe in Escalon, said he did not recognize the Oscar-winning actress at first when she ordered an egg salad sandwich, and he asked her to leave after receiving her food, KXTV, Sacramento, reported Wednesday.
"She had a dog under her arm. We can't have dogs in here because of health codes," Weimer said.
The owner said he did not realize Swank was a celebrity until he saw her credit card receipt.
"I was kind of kicking myself but that's how I would treat anybody else," Weimer said.
However, Weimer said he was glad when Swank returned to the cafe about 2 hours later, sans dog. He said the actress refilled her iced tea and complimented the sandwich she had eaten earlier.
Weimer said Swank posed for a photograph and autographed a menu.
"She smoothed things over the way regular people do. It was kind of neat," Weimer said.
'Jagger' stays atop U.S. record chart
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 29 (UPI) -- Maroon 5's "Moves Like Jagger" featuring Christina Aguilera is No. 1 on the U.S. record chart for a fourth week, Billboard.com reported Thursday.
Coming in at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 is "Someone Like You" by Adele, followed by Foster the People's "Pumped Up Kicks" at No. 3, LMFAO's "Party Rock Anthem" at No. 4 and Gym Class Heroes' "Stereo Hearts" featuring Adam Levine at No. 5.
Rounding out the top tier are Bad Meets Evil's "Lighters" featuring Bruno Mars at No. 6, Rihanna's "Cheers (Drink to That)" at No. 7, Lady Gaga's "You and I" at No. 8, Cobra Starship's "You Make Me Feel..." featuring Sabi at No. 9 and LMFAO's "Sexy" at No. 10.
