Sarandon in Mexico

Sarandon in Mexico
TIJUANA, Mexico -- Susan Sarandon, outspoken actress and liberal political activist, thinks the United States should help build schools in Mexico -- not walls along the border.
Visiting a preschool in a slum bordering a vast, municipal garbage dump in Tijuana recently, Sarandon said education was the key to improving lives in Mexico. She criticized a U.S. congressional proposal to extend walls along the 2,000-mile U.S.-Mexico border.
The school was founded by New York educator David Lynch, who came to Tijuana in 1980 as a volunteer teacher. He later built the school for the children of Mexicans who eke out a living gathering recyclable material from the dump.
Sarandon, 59, won an Oscar for her role in 1995's "Dead Man Walking." Her screen credits also include "The Client," "Lorenzo's Oil," "Thelma & amp; Louise" and "Atlantic City." She has been supporting the project for years.
"I'm very proud, especially with the world careening out of control," she said. "People feel they have no control over their lives. I think this school is helping people to get control over their lives."
Shatner in the hot seat
NEW YORK -- William Shatner has always done an excellent job of poking fun at himself, but he's going to have plenty of help this summer.
The 75-year-old actor, who starred as Captain Kirk in "Star Trek," will be the recipient of cheap shots and bawdy jokes -- as Pamela Anderson was last year -- at a Comedy Central celebrity roast in his honor, the channel has announced.
"The Comedy Central Roast of William Shatner," scheduled to air Aug. 20 (10 p.m.), will be taped earlier that month in Los Angeles.
"It takes a real man to follow Pamela Anderson into the 'Roast' pit and William Shatner is truly a hero among men," said Elizabeth Porter, senior vice president, specials and talent for Comedy Central, in a statement.
"By the end of this year's 'Roast,' Shatner may wish he was in a galaxy far, far away."
Today's birthdays
Movie director Sidney Lumet is 82. Basketball Hall of Famer Willis Reed is 64. Singer Carly Simon is 61. Rock musician Allen Lanier (Blue Oyster Cult) is 60. Rock musician Ian McDonald (Foreigner; King Crimson) is 60. Actor-comedian Jimmie Walker is 59. TV personality Phyllis George is 57. Rock musician David Paich (Toto) is 52. Rock singer George Michael is 43. Rapper-producer Richie Rich is 39. Rapper Candyman is 38. Musician Sean Kelly is 35. Rock musician Mike Kroeger (Nickelback) is 34. Actress Linda Cardellini is 31.