Print-friendly Version
Briefly: Paul McCartney, Celine Dion, Green Day, Eminem
Paul McCartney and his wife, Heather, have donated 1 million pounds (nearly $1.9 million) to the International Rescue Committee U.K. to assist people in areas struck by the recent tsunamis.
"The McCartneys have our deep gratitude for their extremely generous contribution," IRC president George Rupp said in a statement. "It will have a major impact on the capacity of IRC emergency teams in Aceh, Indonesia to deliver lifesaving assistance to tens of thousands of people from devastated communities."
Celine Dion announced Wednesday (1/12) that proceeds from her Mother's Day performance in Las Vegas--expected to surpass $1 million--will be donated UNICEF to help victims of the recent tsunami. Details on tickets for the concert will be announced in the next few days, according to a press release.
"Like everyone else in the world, I've been devastated by the loss and suffering of so many in South Asia," Dion said in a statement. "As a mother, I cannot imagine the pain that they are experiencing. We can all see that it's going to take a long time for those people to rebuild their lives, and they will need our help for years to come. I chose Mother's Day for this event because of the special meaning it has for families, but also because it will help maintain the awareness of everyone's needs in South Asia over the coming months."
UNICEF pledge boxes are also being placed throughout The Colosseum--the Caesars Palace venue that houses Dion's production.
Just over 100,000 copies of Green Day 's "American Idiot" sold in the last week, enough to move the album up one notch to the top of The Billboard 200 album chart. Close behind was Eminem 's "Encore," last week's No. 1 album.
Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz' "Crunk Juice" holds steady at No. 3, while John Legend's "Get Lifted" jumps three slots to No. 4. Ludacris' "Red Light District rounds out the Top 5.
