The Gossip Today

Angelina Jolie cannot help herself. This is just what she does.

Being a world-famous actress and raising a half dozen kids isn’t enough. She spends remarkable amounts of time and money trying to make the world a better place.

Today’s example of her good deeds? The UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador started up a school for refugee returnees, mostly from Pakistan, in Tangi, Afghanistan.

Having visited there in 2008, Angelina Holie learned from the displaced people about their concerns about a lack of educational facilities in the war-torn area.

So, according to the UNHCR website, the star donated over $75,000 to get an all-girls school up and running. The building will be inaugurated on Thursday.

As she exhibited recently in Haiti, Angelina Jolie is awesome.

Angelina Jolie is a true ambassador of our nation, and humanity.

Classes start Monday at the school, which boasts eight classrooms, four administrative buildings, a well and eight latrines, and can accommodate up to 800 students.

The UNHCR is working with UNICEF to recruit teachers and books. Plans are also under way to offer secondary education, as only two Tangi girls are currently enrolled.

We’re guessing that if asked, or even if not, we know someone who might volunteer her resources, financial or otherwise. Talk about using your celebrity admirably.

Original Post By Google News steve@thehollywoodgossip.com (Free Britney)

American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi predicted a male winner and discussed other elements of the show, such as Simon’s close talking, with Jay Leno last night.

Asked about the current season, she admitted a soft spot for Michael Lynche, a.k.a. Big Mike, who moved her to tears with last week’s performance: “I love him,” she said.

Kara blamed her Italian heritage for getting so emotional, but couldn’t hide her affinity for Lynche, as well as her theory (or so it appeared) that a male will win this season.

She also suggested that Simon Cowell might be suffering from separation anxiety from Mezghan Hussainy lately, as he’s been leaning in close to her a lot on the show.

When Leno brought up her “bikini moment” (complete with picture), the phrasing of Kara’s response seemed to betray the influence of sitting near Simon every week: “It showed I could kinda take the piss out of myself,” she said.

Alright then.

Who do you think will win American Idol this season? In other Kara news, her father, Joe, is running as a Republican for U.S. Senate in New York State!

Original Post By Google News steve@thehollywoodgossip.com (Free Britney)

Former American Idol judge Paula Abdul is said to be “finalizing a deal” to star in a new version of Star Search, the ’80s-era talent show hosted by Ed McMahon.

Hope her contract includes open bar.

Slated for Summer 2010, the Star Search reboot is said to feature Abdul serving as a combination judge and host, although details are still being worked out.

ABC, which is said to be developing the show, did not comment to Entertainment Weekly, which first reported the news about the recently departed Idol staple.

Is Paula Abdul nearing a return to reality TV?

Rumors suggesting Paula was headed for Dancing With the Stars as well as Idol frenemy Simon Cowell’s upcoming X Factor series have also circulated recently.

The original Star Search wasn’t just for singers: actors, comedians and models vied to win the competition. So basically, it’s like Britain’s / America’s Got Talent.

One alum of the long-running show: Britney Spears.

What do you think of a revamped Star Search and the idea of Paula on board? Do we really need more shows like this – and is she the right person to host one?

Original Post By Google News steve@thehollywoodgossip.com (Free Britney)