LOS ANGELES, California -- Elton John has taken aim at the ‘cool’ bands that have refused to let the producers of “Glee” use their songs on the hit show, insisting they should be flattered.

The “Rocket Man” was thrilled when “American Idol” dedicated a night to his music earlier this week and admits he would be honored to be part of a “Glee” episode – he just can’t understand why bands like Kings of Leon and the Foo Fighters would turn such an offer down.

He says, “A lot of bands are saying we don’t want our stuff on ‘Glee.’ Like, lighten up, you a**holes! I mean, this is a compliment. It (Glee) sends a positive message out. What the hell is wrong with you guys? Kings of Leon, lighten up guys. Come on!”

And Elton insists he feels flattered whenever he hears other people’s versions of his songs – even if they’re awful.

He adds, “It’s so great when people do your songs. I started off as a songwriter, so even now, when I get into an elevator and there’s muzak and it’s one of my songs, I feel really happy about it because it’s a compliment when someone does one of your songs. It doesn’t matter if it’s a bad version... I’ve never lost that thrill.” (starpulse.com)

John Travolta to star  as notorious mob boss 

LOS ANGELES (dpa) – John Travolta is to play notorious mafia boss John Gotti Sr. in a new movie about the racketeering crime boss, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

The film, to be called “Gotti: Three Generations” will be directed by Nick Cassavetes and will focus on the relationship between John Gotti Sr. the head of the Gambino crime family who died in prison in 2002, and his son John Gotti Jr. who took over the family business for his father, served time in prison, but then successfully escaped conviction in four subsequent racketeering trials, the report said.