Paris' Pole Dance, Nicole's Unselfish Shower

If ever there was a perfect time for Paris Hilton to overhaul her image, this is it. With Britney Spears busy losing custody of her kids and Lindsay Lohan trying to salvage what's left of her career, there's little to stop the remaining member of the trio once delightfully dubbed the Three Bimbos of the Apocalypse from fulfilling her post-pokey promise to "raise awareness for so many great causes."

So, what will it be? A big charity push, perhaps in conjunction with, oh, let's say a series of morale boosting visits to injured troops (after all, she already has the outfit).

Nah, 'cause that would be hard and stuff.

For Paris, charity apparently begins at home, or least at a home away from home, namely New York hot spot Marquee, where she showed her benevolence this week by gracing club-goers with her prowess on the stripper pole.

In video obtained by TMZ.com, the attention-seeking starlet can be seen wriggling up and down the unhygienic steel post as a crush of onlookers hold up cameras and cell phones to capture her every bump and grind.

And while we didn't think it possible to feel sympathy for an inanimate rod, we believe if it could have expressed emotion, it would have channeled Lucy from "Peanuts" by crying out, "I have Paris germs! Get some hot water! Get some disinfectant! Get some iodine!"

As is standard operating procedure for a Hilton club appearance, the DJ played her quickly forgotten ditty "Stars Are Blind," which she warbled along to while continuing to show off her exotic dancer skill set.

"She couldn't seem to get enough of the pole," a spy snipes to the London Sun. "Perhaps it brought back fine memories of her time behind bars."

Hilton, who was in the Big Apple to shill for her new perfume Can-Can, eventually ditched Marquee and headed for Bungalow 8 before capping off the night at a pal's digs, finally returning to her hotel around 7 a.m., according to TMZ.

Despite her dedication to deigning the little people with her presence, it's not quite the philanthropic leaf-turning she talked about with Larry King after her release from jail.

"I realized that there's a lot more important things in my life. And there's a lot more things to do. And I'm frankly sick of it," she said of her party girl lifestyle. "You know, I've been going out for a long time now. And yes, it's fun, but it's not going to be the mainstay of my life anymore."

As she pointed out, "I'm 26 years old. I'm an adult, and I am -- I have to just grow up and to be a more responsible -- a role model ... there's just so much more to me than what people think."

(Indeed. Like, we had no idea Hilton could lip-synch and polish a pole with her posterior at the same time.)

In Paris' defense, she will soon be making a major personal sacrifice by ceding the spotlight to Nicole Richie on Sunday while serving as a co-host for her sometime BFF's baby shower.

In Touch believes it has procured the actual save-the-date e-mail for the celebration, which is being arranged by go-to celebrity party planner Mindy Weiss.

According to the invite, Richie's mom Brenda and sister Sophia will host "with love," along with "loving friends" Paris and Masha Gordon.

Joel Madden and Nicole Richie arrive at Sydney Airport on Oct. 10.

Meanwhile, has Nicole, whose once concave belly is refreshingly swollen with the fruit of Joel Madden's loins, quietly undergone the very altruistic attitude makeover Paris has so publicly touted?

So says Us Weekly, which reports shower guests have been asked to donate baby gifts -- cribs, strollers, blankets, stuffed animals, etc. -- to the newly established Richie Madden Children's Foundation, which the expectant parents set up to assist needy moms.

As one of the foundation's first acts, it will reportedly donate 100 Mom-to-Be kits to the Los Angeles Free clinic.

While Nicole's pals may not have the pleasure of seeing her unwrap boutique-bought tot items, they can at least take comfort in seeing her put some food down her gullet.

The menu for the shower is said to include some of her fave foods, with which she's presumably become reacquainted while awaiting the stork, including coconut shrimp, lobster, lemon-pepper chicken, fruit, cake and sushi (raw-fish free, we hope).

Lindsay Lohan Goes To Jail

Before Lindsay Lohan became such a "good girl," she was a really bad girl. If y’all remember she got shipped to rehab because of her drug and alcohol addictions. The reason she went to rehab was because of her DUI where she was caught chasing some woman with three dudes in the car.

Well, she had a really good lawyer and basically got out of major jail time. This morning she went to jail at 10:30AM and was out by 11:54AM. That’s hard times yo!

Angelina Jolie: A Year For Accountability Essay

We reported earlier this week that Goodwill ambassador Angelina Jolie wrote an essay in the upcoming issue of 'The Economist' calling for justice in Darfur. Here is the full essay...

On a recent mission for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, I had the opportunity to visit a refugee camp in Chad just across the border with Sudan. Sitting with a group of refugees, I asked them what they needed. These were people who had seen family members killed, neighbours raped, their villages burned and looted, their entire communities driven from their land. So it was no surprise when people began listing the things that could improve their lives just a little bit. Better tents, said one; better access to medical facilities, said another. But then a teenage boy raised his hand and said, with powerful simplicity, “Nous voulons un procès.” We want a trial.

A trial might seem a distant and abstract notion to a young man for whom the inside of a courtroom is worlds away from the inside of a refugee camp. But his statement showed a recognition of something elemental: that accountability is perhaps the only force powerful enough to break the cycle of violence and retribution that marks so many conflicts.

I believe 2008 can be the year in which we begin seeking true accountability and demanding justice for the victims in Darfur and elsewhere. Through accountability we can begin the process of righting past wrongs, and even change the behaviour of some of the world’s worst criminals.

The international tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and for Rwanda have shown the way in convicting heads of state and generals for genocide and crimes against humanity. The UN-backed special court for Sierra Leone has already sentenced three former leaders of a pro-government militia to jail for war crimes committed during the country’s civil war in the 1990s.

In Cambodia, the joint UN-Cambodian court to try top former Khmer Rouge leaders with war crimes and crimes against humanity has begun calling witnesses. It has taken a long time to get even this far, but a trial is likely in 2008. In The Hague, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has begun trials of two of the Congolese leaders charged with fomenting killings and rapes amid the violence that has raged there for over a decade.

Make no mistake, the existence of these trials alone changes behaviour. Seeing the indictment of Thomas Lubanga and the detention of Germain Katanga by the ICC brought to mind a trip I had taken to Congo five years ago. In the Ituri region, where Mr Katanga’s reign of terror had been most intense, our group attended a meeting of rebel leaders. They had gathered in a field to discuss the prospects for a peace agreement—which were not looking very good. The conversation turned hostile and the situation grew extremely tense. At that point, one of my colleagues asked for the name of one of the rebels, announcing, perhaps a bit recklessly, that he was going to pass it along to the ICC.

It was remarkable: this rebel leader’s whole posture changed from aggression to conciliation. The ICC had been around for only five months. It had tried no one. Yet its very existence was enough to intimidate a man who had been terrorising the population for years.

Ending the cycle of violence

This is not an isolated example. Accountability has the potential to change behaviour, to check aggression by those who are used to acting with impunity. Luis Moreno-Ocampo, the prosecutor of the ICC, has said that even genocide is not a crime of passion; it is a calculated decision. He is right. Common sense tells us that when risks are weighed, decisions are made differently. When crimes against humanity are punished consistently and severely, the killers’ calculus will change.

My hope is that these examples of justice in the name of accountability will be just a few of the many to come. I hope that the Sudanese government will hand over the government minister and the janjaweed militia leader who have been indicted for war crimes by the ICC, and that the teenager I met in Chad will get to see the trial he seeks. I hope that those responsible for the atrocities in Darfur will be held to account, not only for that young man’s sake, but for the world’s.

Only through justice will we achieve peace. And only when there is peace will the world’s nearly 39m displaced persons and refugees be able to return home.

The strong preying upon the weak and the weak, upon achieving strength, extracting retribution: this is the nature of so many of the world’s conflicts. The role of aggressor and victim may alternate over time, the tools of destruction may become more sophisticated, but little else changes.

Lauren Insists 'The Hills' Isn't Fake

"There have been some rumors in the press about The Hills being fake. Many of you have been asking me if the rumors are true. There are false rumors every week about me and I can’t address every rumor out there, but I feel like this was important for me to respond to. The show is not fake and this is really my life."

---Lauren Conrad insists all the drama on her show 'The Hills' is 100% real.

Adoption Agency Backs Angelina Jolie

The adoption agency that Angelina Jolie went through to adopt her Ethiopian daughter Zahara is backing up Jolie rejecting reports that her parents want her back.

There were reports earlier this week that Zahara's relatives wanted her to return to Ethiopia.

"The court in Addis Ababa approved the adoption after studying the document her grandmother wrote … saying her daughter, the mother of Zahara, had died and she was too poor to bring her up," Tsegaye Berhe, the head of Wide Horizons for Children, which conducted the adoption, told said.

"The grandmother brought three witnesses to court who testified that Zahara's mother had died and that her father was unknown … The court also investigated the social status of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt before approving the adoption."

"The controversy is media hype by unethical journalists exploiting the poverty of the grandmother," he said.

People need to just lay off this adoption controversy. She's giving Zahara a better life than she would have ever had.

Arrest Warrant Issued for Hayden Panettiere

This has to be the funniest thing I've heard all week. E! news is reporting that there is a warrant issued for Hayden Panettiere in Japan.

"I learned today that I have an arrest warrant out for me in Japan because of what I did for Save the Whales," Panettiere said.

"I was very excited that people were interested in what we did," she told E! "In this town, you tend to only get publicity for not wearing underwear or going to rehab."

When asked what the next step was regarding her arrest warrant, Panettiere said, "potentially jail, but I doubt it….I guess they could come here and get us, but probably not."

Why the hell would they issue a warrant out for something like that? And I thought we had stupid laws in the US.

Nicole Richie and Joel Madden Start Charity

A very pregnant Nicole Richie and her beau Joel Madden have started a non-profit organization to help mothers in need.

Richie and Madden are planning a baby shower this Sunday at a private home and they've asked guests to bring cribs, strollers, and stuffed animals to donate to the new Richie Madden Children's Foundation.

Next month, their charity will also donate 100 Mom-to-Be kits to the Los Angeles Free Clinic. Kudos to Nicole and Joel for their efforts.

Angels Get Star On Walk Of Fame

As we mentioned earlier this week, the Victoria's Secret Angels have taken over Hollywood and painted the town pink, literally. In celebration of the lingerie brand's contribution of fashion and glamour, the brand was awarded the ‘Award of Excellence’ with a star on the world famous walk of fame.

Heidi Klum, Karolina Kurkova, Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, Izabel Goulart, Selita Ebanks and 21 more angels showed up to receive their star and Hollyscoop was on the pink carpet for the celebration.

Don’t forget to check back tomorrow as we get you the scoop from the much anticipated Victoria's Secret fashion show. Were going backstage with the models as they get ready for their big show.

Jennifer Aniston Dating Smith?

Sometimes I wish Jennifer Aniston could just find a guy and get married so all these rumors of her dating everyone in Hollywood can stop.

Remember Samantha’s hot boyfriend Smith on Sex and the City? Well, there are rumors that Jennifer Aniston is dating him. If this rumor is true, than she definitely score cause he is HOT!

Jason Lewis(Smith) and Jen reportedly had an ‘intimate’ dinner in NYC recently which sparked romance rumors.

A source tells Closer magazine, "They've met a few times. He thinks she's gorgeous and they just clicked. It's funny how much they have in common.

"Jen seems to really like Jason, but so far they've met up in secret as Jen hates the pressure her fame puts on all of her relationships."

I have a feeling Jen is gonna get married in a few years to a guy that has nothing to do with Hollywood. She’s probably gonna marry some really rich finance dude.

Pete Doherty Busted Again!

Surprise! Surprise! Pete Doherty is at it again! After promising to clean up his act for the millionth time, Doherty was caught snorting “line after line" of cocaine.

Once again there is video footage of the troubled rocker getting high. He reportedly chops up five lines of white powder and snorts it through a piece of paper.

A spokesman for the junkie refused to comment. Of course the spokesperson refused to comment. What else can they comment on? The guy is a lost cause.

Heather Mills' Hires New Wacky Publicist

Meet Michelle Elyzabeth! Something tells me we are gonna be hearing a lot from her regarding her new client Heather Mills. After Mills got dropped from her PR company, she decided to hire an old friend, Michelle Elyzabeth. I don’t know whether this was a good or a bad thing.

This lady has launched a Web site to defend her client via video blogs. In the video she says, "I represent Heather Mills, the most spoken-about person all over the place…I'm sick and tired about hearing these lies . . . Heather is a wonderful person . . . People trash her."

She continues her tirade saying, "This week I got upset with Barbara Walters and people on 'The View' who have decided to trash Heather for the third time . . . And this horrible human being by the name of Joy Behar ragging on Heather, that she is the worst person you want to meet in the world . . . [and] Whoopie decided Heather should not be speaking. It went on for 10 to 15 minutes."

Maybe this is a good thing for Heather? Her representative is even wackier than she is so it might distract people from talking about Heather because they would be too busy talking about her rep. Which PR rep does video blogs with a dog on their lap? Maybe she just wants to be famous?

Rumer Willis Is Miss Golden Globe

The 65th annual Golden Globe awards are right around the corner and the Hollywood Foreign Press announced that Rumer Willis has been chosen as Miss Golden Globe.

"We are delighted to have Rumer Willis join us to celebrate 'The 65th Annual Golden Globe Awards. Since both of her parents have enjoyed successful entertainment careers in the acting profession, she is doubly qualified to serve as Miss Golden Globe."

Previous Miss Golden Globe honorees include Lorraine Nicholson (daughter of Jack Nicholson and Rebecca Broussard), Laura Dern (daughter of Diane Ladd and Bruce Dern), Joely Fisher (daughter of Connie Stevens and Eddie Fisher), and Melanie Griffith (daughter of Tippi Hedren).

I guess it pays to live in the shadow of famous parents.

Paris Hilton Throwing Nicole Richie a Baby Shower

Save the date! You're cordially invited to Nicole Richie's baby shower. Well...okay neither one of us are actually invited but I'm sure those pictures will spread like wildfire on the internet.

Nicole's mother Brenda and her former BFF Paris Hilton are throwing Nicole a huge baby shower in LA on Sunday, November 18th at 12:30pm. Paris even hired wedding planner Mindy Weiss to organize the soiree, which is rumored to take place at Winston's.

According to In Touch magazine, Nicole's good pal Samantha Ronson will be DJing the party and the menu will include sushi, coconut shrimp, lobster, lemon-pepper chicken, and fruit and cake.

Salma Hayek Prayed For Bigger Breasts

Actress Salma Hayek says she used to pray to God for bigger breasts when she was younger.

Hayek says, "My mom and I stopped at a church during a road trip we were making from our home in Mexico.

"When we went inside, I prayed for the miracle I wanted to happen. I put my hands in holy water and said: 'Please God, give me some breasts'.

"And he gave me them! Within a few months, I developed a growing spurt, as teenagers do, and I was very pleased with the way I grew outwards."

How hard was she praying? Cause I prayed for bigger breasts and all I got was a bigger gut. Just for kicks lets compare an older picture of Salma with a newer one...do you think she got them 'enhanced' by a secret plastic surgeon?

Read Victoria Beckham's Blog

Victoria Beckham wanted to give us an update on what's going on in her life. The girls/women/moms are currently prepping for their upcoming tour. Their first actual 'performance' together will be tomorrow night at the Victoria's Secret Fashion show, although we hear their performance was already pre-taped. Read her blog below:

Hi everyone,

I’m currently sat in our rehearsal studio and I am about to have another fitting with the Cavalli team for our costumes. The other girls will kill me if I give anything away and I don’t want to ruin any surprises… but they look amazing! Roberto and his team have done us proud.

Rehearsals are going really well, I can’t believe that there are only a few weeks until the first show in Vancouver. It’s really scary but exciting at the same time. David and the boys have been laughing at me because I’ve been wandering around the house listening to my iPod and practising the routines. We are including some parts of the old routines but bringing them up to date a bit.

All of the kids have been down to rehearsals. We have an area where they all hang out… its a Spice creche! My boys are so excited about the tour, they can't wait and I'm really looking forward to them seeing me up on stage. I just hope I don't get over emotional when I see them! ...

Matt Damon Floored By Sexist Man Title

“First off, I must say I was floored when I heard you guys voted me the Sexiest Man Alive for 2007. I guess all the campaigning finally paid off. Ditching Clooney as a campaign manager and going with Brad for the final push was an emotional decision, but I knew it was going to be tight and the youth vote was going to make or break me…

“Unfortunately, after all those years out on the trail, the meet and greets, the fund-raisers, the stump speeches, I’ve finally come to terms with the fact that this is a mantle I wasn’t meant to hold….Don’t get me wrong, though. I was really shocked and happy (Lucy said I actually blushed) when I heard the news. So I can’t thank you enough for that…”

Stars Strike For Their Writers

This week marks the second week of the writers strike. Yesterday, Hollyscoop hit the picket lines for one of the largest strikes to hit Hollywood. Stars such as Sarah Silverman, Ben Stiller, Felicity Huffman all came out to support their writers.

This is a crucial time in the industry, with the influence of the Internet, writers are boycotting in order to get their cut. This strike is costing the entertainment industry millions and millions of dollars everyday.

We spoke to strikers Kathy griffin, T.R. Knight,Mathew Perry,Zach Braff Jason Alexander, Julia Loius-Dreyfus, Ray Romano , David Spade among others and heard their voice.

We also asked the stars their opinion on the criticisms Ellen Degeneres is receiving from the Writers Guild, to hear their answers log on to tv.hollyscoop.com

Janice Dickinson: I'm Plastic and I'm Perfect

Former supermodel turned trainwreck Janice Dickinson confirms that she's had more than $100,000 on plastic surgery over the years.

Dickinson says, "I'm not addicted to plastic surgery. But I need it. I couldn't have that chicken neck thing going on, so I had a neck lift. And I had a brow lift and got my eyes done. Everything is fake about me - my tits, teeth, hair, nails - and I'm just perfect."

I don't know whether to commend her for telling the truth or slap her for being stupid enough to spend $100k on plastic surgery.

Christina Rocks the Vote

A very pregnant Christina Aguilera made her way out to Robertson Blvd last night for the Rock the Vote event at the launch of Kitson Men.

Someone needs to tell homegirl to take it easy with the makeup. She's naturally so beautiful, and all this cake makeup makes her look more like a drag queen than anything else.

Ellen Pompeo Got Hitched

'Grey's Anatomy' star Ellen Pompeo and her fiancé of 1 year, music exec Chris Ivery got hitched in a private ceremony early Friday morning.

Sadly there was no wedding, no white dress and no cake. The couple opted for a quickie private ceremony at New York's City Hall, with Mayor Michael Bloomberg serving as their witness.

“The Mayor was in midtown for his weekly radio show, and he came back [downtown] for a series of meetings at City Hall, and this was one of the things he had planned," Bloomberg's rep, Stu Loeser, tells Us Weekly. " The Mayor was gracious.”

Congrats to the happy couple!

Jake and Reese's Romantic Getaway

New couple Reese Witherspoon and Jake Gyllenhaal recently took a trip together to Napa Valley, CA. According to Us Magazine, on Nov. 10 the two checked into a private house together at the Carneros Inn.

They basically did nothing besides get massages, eat, and just hang out. You know, the fun stuff.

"They looked like they didn't have a care in the world," a ‘witness’ told Us Weekly. The witness didn’t stop with the cheesy quote there. The ‘witness’ added that after Jake gave her a kiss, "Reese looked like she was in heaven!"

Barf! Who talks like that? I don’t know about you guys but when I’m describing a new couple I don’t say things like “she looked like she was in heaven.” These ‘witnesses’ need to come up with less cheesy lines.

Phoenix and Mendes Not Dating

Apparently there was a rumor that Joaquin Phoenix was dating Eva Mendes. The two starred in the film, We Own the Night and there were rumors that they were hooking up during the filming of the movie.

Phoenix says, "They had us dating before I even met her. That was fucking hilarious…We went out the first night to get some food, and there were photographers everywhere. I'm going, 'Who is this fucking chick?' Because I swear to God, I don't know who anyone is unless I've already worked with them.

"Feeling like you're being scrutinized is bad when you're working. It got to a point where we couldn't even hang out, because it became a thing…I'm always amazed at the gossip that is created out of nothing."

If he thinks the paparazzi attention that Mendes got was bad, how does he feel about Britney, Paris and Lindsay? But then again, I'm sure Eva Mendes doesn't call the paparazzi herself. Actually, I'm almost 100% positive she doesn't call the paparazzi herself. She doesn't strike me as the type that is desperate for attention.

Amy Winehouse Pissed At In-Laws

Amy Winehouse was really pissed off yesterday when she went to visit her husband who is in jail. She didn’t get to see him because he was only allowed one visitor and his mother had already rushed in to see him.

Amy was especially pissed cause there is an ongoing feud between her in-laws.

A source tells The Sun, "Amy was devastated when she heard Blake's mum booked herself in for the jail visit as Amy was desperate to see him.

"Things are really bad between Blake's and Amy's family. Amy is struggling to talk to his parents. When she turned up to see them on Sunday she was told first that they were asleep and then not available. They are not taking any of her calls or being where they say they will be."

Gotta love the in-laws drama! Isn't if funny how things will never change? The mother in law always acts like she likes you when you are not married, then once you walk down the isle the devilish horns grow on the their heads.

Their precious son, Blake Fielder-Civil, is in jail because he was caught trying to pay off a witness to not testify against him in court. If found guilty he can face life in jail.

Pitt and Jolie Buy Island

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie want to make their adopted daughter as comfortable as possible. So what do they do? They buy a man-made ISLAND in the shape of Ethiopia off the coast of Dubai.

By purchasing the island, Pitt and Jolie want to make people aware of environmental issues and encourage people to live a greener life.

So what’s the last thing your mom and dad bought for you?

Update: Brangelina's rep has denied reports that the couple purchased the island.

Hilton wants to be frozen in immortality

London, Nov 13 (IANS) Socialite heiress Paris Hilton wants to live for ever and wants to have her body frozen at the Cryonics Institute in Los Angeles.

She also wants her dogs Tinkerbell and Cinderella to join her, dailysnack.com reports.

'Almost all the cells in the body are still alive when death is pronounced. And if you're immediately cooled, you can be perfectly preserved. When I told Paris about it she was like 'that's so cool!'' said a source.

Lohan works for American Red Cross

Lindsay Lohan has begun working for the American Red Cross in LA as part of her community service.

According to US reports, Lohan arrived at the Red Cross facility at 7pm yesterday carrying a book called Blood under her arm.

The actress is performing the community work as part of a deal she negotiated for her two DUI convictions during the summer.

Lohan has been allowed by the courts to reduce her four-day jail sentence by working ten days of community service.

The Hollywood star has been working on her new film Dare To Love Me since departing the Cirque Lodge rehab centre in Utah last month.

Jennifer Lopez's Pregnancy at Risk?

Singer Jennifer Lopez was ordered by doctors to take a break from touring and performing due to health concerns.

Lopez, who confirmed her pregnancy last week, was taken to the hospital after noticing blood in her urine.

A source close to the star says, "She's petrified that something could go wrong (with her pregnancy). (The hospital visit) really shook her up. If she lost the babies, her life would be shattered."

Lopez, who is rumored to be having twins, canceled her last concert in San Diego following her health scare. We wish her well!

Pamela Anderson Lee Helps Out the Homeless

Let's forget for a moment what a trainwreck Pamela Anderson has been lately and focus on her work with PETA. Pammy will be serving vegetarian dishes all night on Thanksgiving at an unnamed homeless centre in Las Vegas.

PETA spokesman Michael McGraw says, "We want to keep the venue a secret because it's really just for Pam and those she's serving. It's not for fans and autograph seekers.

"The dinner itself will be a feast - Gardein's Veggie Stuffed Turkey Roast With Wild Rice and Cranberries. It's a delicious faux turkey. Pam, who has been vegetarian since she was a teenager, is thrilled to serve up the health benefits of a meatless diet."

Anderson adds, "The holiday season can be especially hard for those who find themselves homeless, and it's murder on turkeys. With so many healthy and delicious options nowadays, it's easy to have a holiday meal that gives even turkeys something to be thankful for."

Kudos to Pam for giving up her Thanksgiving to help others in need, lets hope other celebs jump on this bandwagon.

Lindsay Lohan Started Community Service

Lindsay Lohan took a break from expensive lunches and retail therapy to finally start her community service.

Lohan was photographed arriving at the American Red Cross in Pomona, naturally a half dozen of her closest paparazzi friends also showed up.

Billy Ray Cyrus Wants to Help Britney

"Honey, you are welcome to a Nashville Thanksgiving at our house...We would love to be there for you and we care about you. (My daughter) Miley is a big fan and she wants to reach out, too."

---Billy Ray Cyrus wants to reach out to troubled pop star Britney Spears by inviting her to share dinner with his family.

Jessica Alba Wants to Move to NYC

'Fantastic Four' star Jessica Alba admits that she's become smitten by New York City after spending time there for her new film 'Awake In Harlem.'

She says, "I was like, `How do I move to New York?' It's a great city (and) everywhere you look there's art and restaurants and people are, like, on the move, it's very progressive.

"People talk to you, they interact. It's not like that in L.A. In L.A. everyone's in their car and they're honking at you or spitting their cigarette or their gum out at you."

I'm going to have to agree with Alba on this one, I love LA and all but everyone is so fake and superficial. If you attempt to talk to a stranger just to be nice they'll look at you like you’re a freak. Do you LA natives agree?

Usher is a sweet smelling superstar

LAKEWOOD - For years, R&B artist Usher has attracted a legion of fans with his silky voice and his smooth dance moves.

Now, the 29-year-old Grammy-winning singer will appeal to their sense of smell with the launch of his new fragrance at the Macy's at Lakewood Center mall on Friday.

Usher, who has created Usher for Men and Usher for Women, will be at the department store that evening to sign autographs and pose for pictures.

He is scheduled to be there at 6:30 p.m., according to his Web site.

"It's very exciting and a privilege that the Lakewood Center was chosen as the Southern California location for Usher to come," said Annette Bryant, marketing senior manager for Lakewood Center.

Bryant said she anticipates an estimated 3,000 people to attend the fragrance launch.

Usher follows suit with other celebrities who have created perfume brands, including Beyonce Knowles. In December 2005, the singer and Dream Girls star launched her perfume, Tommy Hilfiger's True Star Gold, at Lakewood Center.

20 Questions With Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift hasn't graduated from high school yet, but she's already smart enough to know the secret to success in country music.

"I think the first thing you should know is that nobody in country music 'made it' the same way," says the

17-year-old singer-songwriter who won the coveted Horizon Award at last week's CMA Awards. "It's all different. There's no blueprint for success, and sometimes you just have to work at it. You should make sure that you know who you are as an artist and make sure it's nothing like everyone else. It's good to be inspired by other artists, but you should always make sure that you've got your own niche."

Answering these questions from fans, she talks about learning dance moves from Kellie Pickler, the song that inspired "Tim McGraw" and why she's going to skip college.

1. Who influenced you and why did you choose to make country music?

I was influenced early on by all of the great female country artists of the '90s and all of the cool music they were putting out. Like Shania, Faith, the Dixie Chicks. It was such great music, and it completely drew me in to country music.

2. If you could record a duet with any country music star, who would it be?

I think Kenny Chesney or Garth Brooks would be the coolest duet partners. I look up to them so much for their work ethics. I was lucky enough to open up for Kenny on some shows this summer, and watching him work was so inspiring. He and Garth just represent true artists to me, and any project I could work with one of them would be an honor.

3. If you could tour with all women, which artists or bands of any genre would you like to go on the road with you?

Wow, out of all genres I would pick Rihanna and Brandi Carlile. You say "random." I say "interesting."

4. When you are not touring, what do you like to do for fun?

My best friend, Abigail, and I like to drive past our ex-boyfriends' houses.

5. What did you remember the most about the night you filmed Brad Paisley's video, "Online"?

I remember looking over at Kellie the whole time, trying to copy her dance moves. I'll admit it: That girl can dance!

6. It's so fun to see you come out on stage singing an Eminem cover and your version of Beyonce's "Irreplaceable" rocks. Any plans to do a duet with a rap artist on an upcoming album?

Ha ha! I don't know! I'm not planning anything like that right now, but I think the coolest thing in the world would be to do something with Jay-Z. When I was 11, I sang the national anthem at a 76ers game in Philly. Jay-Z was sitting courtside and gave me a high-five after I sang. I bragged about that for like a year straight. I love doing cover songs that nobody expects. When I went to live shows, I always loved stuff like that. I like it when something you wouldn't expect to happen onstage happens -- musically or visually. I think Sugarland does a great job of incorporating different surprises into their shows.

7. I love to sing but have a big problem with stage fright. Do you have any advice for me to conquer this problem?

I think everyone has that problem when they first start singing. In my opinion, the only way to conquer stage fright is to get up on stage and play. Every time you play another show, it gets better and better. I started singing in front of crowds when I was 10, and it was a little scary at first. Anything you've just started doing is going to be scary. Once, somebody told me to picture the audience in their underpants. Do not picture the audience in their underpants. That does not work. At all.

8. How has your home schooling experience helped or hindered your musical development?

My home schooling has been a great experience. I feel like I've had the best senior year possible. It's awesome that I've been able to stay on the same path to graduating that I would've been on if I'd stayed in high school. I'm going to graduate this year, and I'm so excited about that. My education was always a big deal to me, and I'm so glad home schooling allowed me to keep it up.

9. Do you feel like you miss the so called normal life of a teenager?

I don't, really. Of course, you're always going to wonder about the road not taken, the dorm not taken and the sorority not taken. But if I wasn't doing this, I would've missed out on the best moments I've ever known and the most wonderful life that I still can't believe I get to live. I'm still friends with the same people I was friends with in high school, and I feel like I haven't changed as a person.

10. Do you plan on attending college?

Right now, I'm pursuing my career. I always thought that I would go to college, most definitely. But then I really thought about it and assessed the situation, and I can't leave this life. Going to college would mean saying goodbye to my music career, and I just can't do that. There just wouldn't be enough time in the day to be on tour, do interviews, meet-and-greets, TV appearances and everything else that I need to do and go to college. Maybe later on in life I'll end up taking a few classes or doing it online. But right now, it just isn't where I need to be.

11. I absolutely love your outfits. Where do you shop?

Thank you! I love to shop. One of the things I love about doing this is that you can shop for every season, because you know that sooner or later you're going to be in every part of the country and in every type of weather. I love Forever 21 and BCBG. Those are probably my favorite stores.

12. I know you wear dresses a lot, so I was wondering if you would ever want to have your own dress line. I would definitely buy them.

I love dresses, and I've definitely thought about designing them someday. I just want to make sure that I wait until the time is perfect and I can do it right. My stylist, Sandi Spika, makes my dresses for award shows and videos. We have so much fun planning the next big dress to make. I think it would be great to work with her on some cool dresses for a line.

13. What kind of TV shows and movies do you like to watch?

I love CSI: Las Vegas and Grey's Anatomy. I've come to the conclusion that the guy I end up with will remind me of the character Denny Duquette from Grey's. Ha ha. My favorite movie is Love Actually. It's got the cutest ending.

14. Is the song "Tim McGraw" about a specific Tim McGraw song you danced to?

It's called "Can't Tell Me Nothin'" -- and it's my favorite Tim song.

15. What do you do for inspiration when you sit down to write a song and it seems that nothing wants to come out?

That happens all the time. What I do is just put the guitar down and wait for something to hit me. You can never push songwriting. It happens or it doesn't.

16. Do you also want to write songs for other artists?

Yes! Kellie Pickler and I wrote a song together when we were out on the road, and it was so cool jumping into someone else's feelings for a minute and writing from their perspective. It was like I was writing my very first song. Exhilarating.

17. You are such an inspiration and role model to all girls of any age, and I think that's awesome! How do you manage to stay away from all the bad things superstars seem to be getting pulled into these days?

I think it all comes down to who you surround yourself with and how strong your morals are. Before I make a decision, I stop and think about the 10-year-old girl I saw last night at my concert in the front row. I think about her mom. I think about how they bought my CD, thinking that I'm a good role model. Then I think about how they would feel if I did something to let them down. I can't imagine a greater pain than letting one of those mothers down. I honestly can't.

18. If you were driving cross-country and could only bring one CD, what would it be?

Def Leppard. Pyromania.

19. From performing in front of thousands of fans to daily interviews and signing autographs, how do you keep up your energy?

I'm 17. I think that helps a lot. I'm lucky to have been able to do all of this at a young age. Also, I'm just so consumed by it. I'm just so fascinated by every aspect of this. Whether it's radio or videos or concerts, I never want to stop getting excited. I hope I never do.

20. Do you have any pets?

I have a cat named Indi (who hates everyone in my family except for me) and two Dobermans. They're really sweet, but if you break in, they will eat you.

Pauley given ASU's Cronkite Award

Former NBC Today show anchor Jane Pauley is both awed and alarmed about the future of journalism and cautioned journalists on Monday not to let technology overwhelm their work.

The veteran broadcaster gave her opinions about journalism's future and reminisced on her 30-year career in a speech at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix, where she received the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism.

"Well, now I'm history," she said to the audience of students, faculty, journalists and community members.

"Frankly, I'm glad to get out of town before Paris Hilton became a 'get,' " she said, referring to the media's obsession with landing interviews with the hotel heiress.

Pauley joined past honorees such as former Washington Post editor Ben Bradlee and humor columnist Dave Barry in receiving the award from ASU's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

Pauley said she isn't a fan of the media trend that serves up a "menu" of news catering to viewer wants.

That would be the equivalent of having Major League Baseball owners eliminate third base because they notice people get excited every time a runner crosses home base, she said.

A lot has changed since Pauley got her start in television news in 1972. At the time, there were few women in broadcast news, but television-station owners felt pressure to hire women because affirmative-action laws could affect license renewals.

Pauley got her first television job as a "temporary, probationary" employee in her hometown of Indianapolis for the grand sum of $152 a week.

One of her rookie assignments consisted of asking people, "How do you intend to vote on Nov. 9?"

There was a slight problem with her question. The election didn't fall on Nov. 9, yet she made the statement over and over again. She was even more chagrined because she graduated with a political-science degree from Indiana University.

But mistakes didn't stop her.

In three years, she became the first woman to anchor a weekday evening newscast.

One year later, she went from being "normal to famous" as the co-host of NBC's Today show at the age of 25.

Pauley co-hosted Today for 13 years and, during her tenure, it became the country's No. 1 morning show.

Pauley became known for combining sincerity and compassion, rather than in-your-face confrontation, in her in-depth interviews.

In 1989, a younger Deborah Norville replaced Pauley and ratings tumbled. Pauley's popularity soared. She later had her own show and went on to co-host the popular Dateline NBC show.

In 2004, she brought attention to bipolar disorder when she published her autobiography and detailed her struggles with the illness.

Pauley ended her talk Monday by advising journalism students to study history, master their native tongue, learn how to think and respect the audience's intelligence.

"And as soon as one of you gets in charge, will you please kill that infernal crawl at the bottom of the screen?" she said to applause, referring to the news updates that run across the television.

Lindsay Lohan pays her debt to society

Lindsay Lohan began paying her debt to society on Monday by volunteering for the American Red Cross in Pomona, Calif.

Lohan was sentenced to 10 days of community service in a DUI plea bargain. Lindsay must also spend one night in jail between now and the end of January 2008.

No word on where Lindsay will server the next 9 days of community service. If she stays at that same Red Cross for long, lots of horny guys will be lining up to donate blood.

Aguilera blames Britney and Lohan

Christina Aguilera

Pop star Christina Aguilera has accused the likes of Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan for their lack of self-control which could help them avoid drugs and alcohol.

The 26-year old singer claimed that the stars led wild lifestyles and showed little regard for the effects their behaviour on their career.

The ‘Beautiful’ hitmaker told Glamour magazine that when a person is 20 or 21 years old there is no boundary and it is then when the limits have to be set.

"When you hit 20 or 21 and you're around drugs and alcohol, everyone has a moment when they like to dabble in it and express themselves,” Contactmusic quoted her, as telling the magazine.

“It's called being young but there is a boundary. You see all of these horror stories about people that have died of drug overdoses, people that have taken it too far and ruined their lives, and for me, I had so many things that I had yet to accomplish,” she said.

“It was just a matter of thinking, I don't want to waste any time, and sticking to the plan,” she added.

Aguilera’s also said that Spears should have stayed in the night before her MTV Video Music Awards performance to ensure her comeback was a success.

"Everyone has their own ways of choosing what's best for them. I have no problem with telling someone, 'Hey, I have to do a show tomorrow. I want to do a good job and be on my game'.

"Sometimes I wish I could go out to a party or a club and just be able to be free, but there's a consequence with the temptation. You know you'll feel it the next day when you wake up. There are too many things I have to accomplish,” she said

Julia feels sorry for Britney’s troubles

Britney Spears

If Britney Spears needs someone to look after her, all she needs to do is go to Julia Roberts, for the actress would like nothing more than to offer the singer some unconditional support.


The Pretty Woman star, in an interview with a magazine, has said that she feels really sorry for Britney’s troubles.

She has also revealed that she would love to watch after the singer. “I see and hear what’s happening to Britney Spears and it’s all I can do not to move her into my guesthouse and say, ‘Okay, this is how it’s going to be!’ And just take care of her,” a newspaper quoted her, as telling the mag.

And while she’s more than ready to take care of Britney, Roberts is not so willing to add another baby to her family. She’s already mum to three kids – twins Hazel and Phinnaeus, who will turn 3 on November 28 and son Henry, who was born in June this year.

“You only have so much energy and you want to put so much energy into each child. I wouldn’t know how to have five kids. And they’re a really good trio, these three,” she said.

Lindsay Lohan's Boyfriend Isn't Really Bonding with His Future Mother-In-Law

On Monday, Riley Giles posted this on his MySpace blog: Lindsay Lohan

ADVICE OF THE WEEK: if your a mom, with 4 kids, the best thing u can do for them right now is have a reality show. WE. DO. NOT. WANT. she had the nerve to ask us to be on. no thanks!

Oooh, ouch!

Doesn't it sting when a 25-year-old snowboarder fresh out of rehab is offering you parenting advice, Dina? And he's right?

Britney Spears ordered to pay Federline's $120,000 legal fees

Britney Spears has been ordered to pay $120,000 in legal fees to her ex-husband Kevin Federline, who was awarded temporary custody of their young sons.

Los Angeles Superior Court Commissioner Scott M. Gordon ordered the pop star to pony up that much of the $154,500 in legal fees that Federline owes to his attorney, according to court papers filed Tuesday.

Gordon made the decision after considering factors including "the notable disparity between the parties' income," the ruling said.

A call to Spears' attorney was not immediately returned.

Court papers released last week show that Spears makes roughly $737,000 per month and spends lavishly on clothes and entertainment. Meanwhile, Federline "indicates that he does not earn any income," the ruling said.

Federline, father of 2-year-old Sean Preston and 1-year-old Jayden James, receives $15,000 per month in child support and $20,000 in spousal support from Spears.

Dina Lohan Reality Show: Sex, Drugs & DUI's: She says No!

What would a Dina Lohan Reality Show consist of? Her oldest daughter Lindsay Lohan is now notorious for her wild child ways of Hollywood and her DUI arrests, her sexual escapades and her admitted addictions. But will a Lohan reality show really consist of that? It likely would sell. Can you imagine of there was a camera crew with Lindsay when she picked up two DUIs back to back? I'm guessing people would have tuned into that.

Dina Lohan Reality Show: Sex, Drugs & DUI's: She says No! (Wenn)

But alas that is not what new show will have on it according to White Oprah (aka Dina Lohan). Dina said of the TV series: "There are so many misconceptions about me and my family. I’m setting the record straight." Uh-huh.

***

Tell us more Dina. "It won’t just be following my family around like other shows. It’ll show me cultivating careers, going to soccer practice. I’m a big supporter of domestic violence charities, so they’ll show that." She adds, "Then they’ll show (son) Cody at soccer practice. Ali going to school and in the studio. It’ll encompass everything. You’ll see me having five business meetings in the city. We want it just to be real. It’s okay if it’s not as crazy as the tabloids make it."

Daily Blabber muses, "Mother Lohan is, naturally, using this gig to toot her own horn in a major way -- she's the executive producer of the show, so I'm sure she'll portray herself in the most flattering light." So to recap, Dina is the greatest and we will see her at soccer practice and Ali in school. Just who would tune in to see that?

'What's Posh famous for? Absolutely nothing'

Pop star Lily Allen takes a dig at Victoria Beckham and her obsession with fame. The list of celebrities to have felt her wrath is almost endless.

From Bob Geldof to Paris Hilton, Kylie Minogue to Amy Winehouse, pop star Lily Allen has had an opinion on them all - and usually not a favourable one.

The bad girl has now cleaned up her act and claims she no longer needs to whine. But in an interview with The Mail on Sunday's You magazine, she could not resist one more dig at Victoria Beckham.

Lily, 22, who shot to fame when her single Smile went to No1 last summer, criticised Posh Spice's obsession with fame.

And as she revealed a glamorous new look of her own, Lily accused Victoria of revelling in being famous for no reason. Lily, whose father is actor Keith Allen, said: 'It does make me laugh to see pictures of Victoria Beckham on the front of a magazine.

'I think, "You are not promoting anything, you don't need the money, so all it's about is being famous." And I can never imagine my life being about being famous. I make music, that's what I am here for. I would never go out and court publicity. I am in such a good place, it wouldn't occur to me.'

Lily has ditched her summer dresses and trainers for a more sophisticated style and her outlook has changed - so that she feels sorry for celebrities she used to lambast.

She said: 'As I am happier, I can't bring myself to b***h. I find myself jumping to people's defence. I saw Paris Hilton on the David Letterman show and I was like, "Why is he so horrible to her?"'

Lily even called a truce in her long-running feuds with Girls Aloud star Cheryl Cole and Peaches Geldof. She said: 'I can't think what "Cherylgate" was about - what a waste of time. Cheryl Cole? Who is she? Just someone from a manufactured band, whereas I write and perform my own music.

'Things are fine between me and Peaches now too: I feel sorry for her, she is a poor little rich girl.' But Lily is worried about the example set by Paris Hilton, Britney Spears and Lindsey Lohan. She said: 'I don't understand it. Why would you want to look up to them? What happened to mothers, sisters and aunts as role models?'

Linda Stein’s Daughter: Justice Will Be Served

The daughter of murdered realtor to the stars Linda Stein called for justice today at her funeral—actually promised it to her mother.

Samantha Stein, ending a string of reminisces from family members and a longtime friend, offered humorous recollections of her beloved 62-year-old mother who was found dead in her posh Fifth Avenue apartment this past Tuesday night. The petite, five foot tall Stein had been bludgeoned to death over the head with a blunt object and left for dead in a pool of blood.

In front of what Linda Stein would be proud to know was such a sold out crowd at Riverside Memorial Chapel on Amsterdam Avenue, her daughter finally let loose.

“My mother’s favorite song was I Will Survive,” Samantha Stein said. “And I will survive, so will my sister and my father. But we will not stop until justice is served.” She added a comment about “what this bastard did to her,” a reference perhaps to a man named as a suspect by police, Raul Diaz, a friend of Stein’s whom other friends apparently didn’t like during their short relationship. Diaz also did some real estate deals with Stein and may have had keys to her apartment.

While the investigation into the murder continued, Stein’s friends turned out in droves to celebrate her remarkable life. In the crowd of hundreds at Riverside were notable names such as Trudie Styler, Erica Jong, Paul Shaffer, and Rush Hour director Brett Ratner. Madonna’s publicist, Liz Rosenberg, was there but the one time Material Girl failed to fly in from London—even though Linda Stein and her husband Seymour were more than little responsible for making Madonna a billionaire and world known figure.

Another longtime friend, Elton John, didn’t make the trip either. But the lyrics of John’s collaborator, Bernie Taupin, caused tears when the presiding rabbi quoted one of the pair’s songs, “Someone Saved My Life Tonight”: “Sweet freedom whispered in my ear/
You're a butterfly/And butterflies are free to fly/Fly away, high away, bye bye.”

Also absent were any representatives from Warner Music Group: no Edgar Bronfman or Lyor Cohen. Linda and Seymour Stein started Sire Records—which sired the Ramones, Sex Pistols, Madonna, Talking Heads and Pretenders among others—with the old Warner Music Group over thirty five years ago.

But long time friend and record mogul biz Clive Davis was in attendance, with his three sons and even his ex wife. I spotted several more names from the music business including super flack Susan Blond, consultant Michael Klenfner, Daniel Glass of Spyglass Records, super rock photographer Bob Gruen, and Kathy Schenker, who manages Sting and the Police.

Outside the chapel, Marky Ramone, the last original member alive of the punk group that the Steins made famous, gave some interviews.

Otherwise, Linda’s funeral was a sad affair overseen by family and sometimes punctuated by examples of her good humor. Danny Fields, Linda’s friend and fellow rocker, offered a few off the cuff remarks. “A speech like this shouldn’t be longer than a Ramones song,” he quipped. “One minute, thirty seven seconds.”

Mandy Stein, who discovered her mother’s body on Tuesday night, nevertheless comported herself with grace and dignity. She recalled her mom finally meeting Red Hot Chili Peppers leader Anthony Kiedis after liking his 1992 song, “Suck My Kiss,” for so long.

“Are you really the Suck My Kiss guy?” Linda asked the rock star with disbelief. “Yeah, you wanna?” he replied.

The real tragedy of Stein’s murder is that, with all her feistiness and projects, she embraced life. As one speaker said, she did more in her 62 years than people who live to be 100. As Mandy said her mom’s favorite quote was “Life is a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death.”

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Hingis dope tests might never be revealed

LONDON: Details of Martina Hingis’s positive dope test at Wimbledon this year might never be revealed if an anti-doping tribunal rules in her favour, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) said yesterday. On Thursday former world number one Hingis announced her retirement from professional tennis after saying she had tested positive for cocaine, though she denied taking the drug. The London-based ITF is in charge of administering dope tests in tennis and a spokesman explained on Friday that the organisation’s rules prohibited comment on or publication of a positive test until any subsequent appeals had run their course. Unlike in athletics, where officials release a name as soon A and B samples have been analysed even if the athlete maintains his or her innocence, the ITF publishes details only after a player has been to an anti-doping tribunal and lost the case. If the tribunal finds in the player’s favour then details of the positive tests are never revealed. Hingis jumped the gun on that process on Thursday after she said her lawyers advised her that the fight to prove her innocence could go on for years. In a statement the five-times grand slam champion from Switzerland said: “I have no desire to spend the next several years of my life reduced to fighting against the doping officials. I am frustrated and angry.” Hingis said she found the accusation “so horrendous, so monstrous, that I have decided to confront it head-on by talking to the press”. The 27-year-old said her legal representative had discovered various inconsistencies with the urine sample taken during Wimbledon and felt that doping officials mishandled the process. The Hingis case has parallels with that of Briton Greg Rusedski in 2004, who also chose to announce he had failed a test for nandrolone and was later cleared by a tribunal.

Swanson Skates on Assault Charge

LOS ANGELES (AP) — "Skating with Celebrities" star Kristy Swanson got her assault charge put on ice. It was withdrawn Wednesday in the Ontario Court of Justice at the request of a prosecutor, according to the Crown attorney's office and Swanson's lawyer.

"The Crown and I worked together in the best of all parties to resolve the matter," Swanson attorney Constance Baran-Gerez said.

"I am thrilled and excited that the charge has been dropped," Swanson said. "This never should have happened and our family can move on."

Assistant Crown Attorney Jennifer Ferguson said through a spokeswoman that she could not comment on the case.

The case stemmed from a confrontation between Swanson and the ex-wife of her boyfriend and skating partner, Olympic medalist and former world champion pairs skater Lloyd Eisler. Swanson, a 37-year-old former Playboy model who starred in the 1992 film "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," was arrested in June in Kingston, Ontario. She was charged with assaulting Marcia O'Brien, Eisler's ex-wife.

At the time, Swanson claimed she was the victim. Swanson said she had accompanied Eisler on a scheduled visit to see his two young children when O'Brien attacked her in front of the children, leaving her with a bruised knee and a scratched arm.

No charges were filed against O'Brien.

Eisler, a 44-year-old former world champion pairs skater, met Swanson last year on the Fox show. He eventually left his pregnant wife. He has a baby boy with Swanson.

Karen Hughes Resigns After Failing to Improve the US’ Image Abroad

Undersecretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Karen Hughes announces her decision to leave Bush administration on Wednesday at the State Department in Washington. (AP)

WASHINGTON, 2 November 2007 — This is not a good week for the State Department.

Their star players are jumping ship and their diplomats are refusing to go to Iraq.

Karen Hughes, longtime adviser to President Bush, announced her resignation as undersecretary of state Wednesday, after two years of trying to overhaul the US approach to public diplomacy. She is best known for her attempt to sway the hearts and minds of the Muslim world, of which officials say, she had little success.

Hughes, 50, is one of the last of Bush’s Texas inner circle to leave the administration. She was a key White House aide early in Bush’s presidency. She returned in mid-2005, she has worked to sell the idea that the US could “win the hearts and minds” of the Muslim world.

Hughes told reporters Wednesday that was leaving to return to Texas, to rejoin her family, but said she would remain a consultant to the State Department.

Public opinion polls show that the image of the United States has declined dramatically in the Muslim world, and elsewhere overseas. These numbers did not improve during Hughes’ time at State Department, and in many cases, have worsened.

A recent global survey by the Pew Research Center concluded that the American image “remains abysmal in most Muslims countries in the Middle East and Asia.”

Many say Hughes started off on the wrong foot. The Arab and Western media ridiculed her for statements she made during her maiden voyage to the Middle East in September 2005, which some experts said lacked a depth. In recollecting her maiden trip, The Washington Post yesterday quoted Arab News, which wrote in 2005: “[Hughes] was painfully clueless.”

Hughes told reporters Wednesday that she felt she had accomplished what she had set out to do. She said she had increased financing for public diplomacy, to $845 million in fiscal 2008 from $616 million in fiscal 2004, and that she had reversed a decline in the number of visas given to foreigners to study in the US.

Diplomats Oppose Forced Iraq Postings

Also on Wednesday, State Department diplomats criticized new rules that will force some to work in Iraq against their will or risk dismissal.

In a contentious hour-long meeting, they peppered officials with often hostile comments about the move announced last week that will require some diplomats — under threat of dismissal — to serve at the embassy in Baghdad and in reconstruction teams in outlying provinces.

Many expressed serious concern about the ethics of sending diplomats against their will to work in a war zone — where the embassy staff is largely confined to Baghdad’s protected Green Zone — as the department reviews use of private security guards to protect its staff.

Britney vs. Paris: Slutty Costume Smackdown

Britney vs. Paris: Slutty Costume Smackdown

Nov. 1, 2007, 1:01 PM EST

Coming down off your Halloween sugar high? Need a pick-me-up that doesn't involve a dozen Pixy Stix and a Red Bull chaser? Look no further than the eye-opening costumes donned this Oct. 31 by Britney Spears and Paris Hilton (just don't look too long or corneal damage could result). Now, relive the horror of the year's scariest holiday as you cast your vote:

Poll: Which costume puts the "lame" in "shameless"?

Britney. We're just not feline (groan) her more-paunchy-than-raunchy trashy tiger look, mostly because it's not all that different from what she usually wears.

Paris. If she thinks dressing up in a camouflage minidress, creepy contacts and garters is a patriotic "shout out" to the troops (no really, that's what she said), she should be court-martialed down from General Tacky to Major Bimbo.

The most feared woman in Hollywood

Chelsea Handler is finally hitting the big time.

Handler has been around the stand-up scene for about 10 years having appeared on Girls Behaving Badly, the Chelsea Handler Show and now hosting Chelsea Lately - E!'s late night talk show.

She's one of my favorite funny ladies, and this month Chelsea Handler graces the cover of L.A. Direct Magazine.

Inside she talks about the "Hollywood train wrecks" like Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan and Britney Spears.

While Chelsea might be "The Most Feared Woman in Hollywood," she promises she won't attack any of the IT girls on her show... “unless it’s one of those stupid girls from The Hills."

L.A. Direct Magazine is on stands November 1st, and Chelsea Lately airs nightly on E!

Britney Stops Interview ... To Take a Shower!

Britney Spears did an interview with KIIS-FM's "On Air with Ryan Seacrest" this morning ... but apparently that didn't fit into her morning routine. In the middle of the interview Brit Brit handed the phone to her cousin/assistant/professional friend Alli, and jumped in the shower! A girl's gotta get clean, y'all!

Before bathing, Ryan asked when she'd see her kids. Britney had no clue, answering, "My lawyers know about all that." Ummmm...

Lohan’s quest for vodka?

Have you ever heard a story about Lindsay Lohan that begins with her walking into a bar ... and ends with her leaving completely sober? Read on, I’m about to tell you one.

A recent magazine report claims that on Oct. 19, Lohan, fresh from a several-month stay at the Cirque Lodge in Utah, went to L.A.’s Viceroy hotel with pals and after sipping water for a time and asked the waiter for vodka. According to the report, she was refused.

“This is not true at all,” Lohan’s rep tells me. Friends of Lohan also say that she is really working to turn her life around. “She’s a good, good kid, and a great actress,” one director told me recently. “She needed this time to get things together.”

Evolution of Lindsay Lohan From cute child actor to svelte blonde to redheaded bombshell and Hollywood star.This sentiment is a common among Hollywood insiders. “No one believes these rags,” says a source close to Lohan in reference to the recent report. “She’s doing great. People are mean spirited.”

No nose for Broadway?Jennifer Garner appears in the Broadway production of “Cyrano,” which officially opens Nov. 1, and according to some who saw preview performances, Garner will likely be sticking to her day job. “There were some empty seats after the intermission. I started having flashbacks to Julia Roberts’ run in ‘Three Days of Rain,’” says one member of the audience, referring to Roberts’ disastrous 2006 Broadway debut.

To be fair, this account comes from a preview performance. Garner plays Roxane, the love interest of the large-nosed Cyrano de Bergerac, played by Kevin Kline. “Cyrano” will run for 10 weeks.

Going mad for ‘Mad Men’If the buzz in New York City is true, the surprise AMC hit “Mad Men” has advertising guru Donny Deutsch feeling left out. According to some rumors, Deutsch has even gone so far as to call the folks behind the show pleading to be included in its second season.

“Donny was asked to attend the show’s premiere party at Michael’s along with many other heavy-hitters. He was a no-show and didn’t want to cooperate with the show in any way,” a source close to the “Mad Men” production says, “and now he wants an actual role next season.”
The Deutsch camp denies the story, however. “Donnie has never even seen the show,” says a rep.

Was Cheetah Girl Sabrina Bryan 'cheat-ahed'?

Were you shocked that Cheetah Girl Sabrina Bryan was voted off "Dancing with the Stars" last night? You were not alone.

After the results show, 23-year-old Bryan appeared on ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" Kimmel told Bryan, "Let me be the first to say that I feel you were 'cheat-ahed' out of a win."

To read more about reaction to Bryan's exit off the show, check out Ron Kitagawa's blog at blogs.mercurynews.com/aei.

Heather Mills McCartney, the former model who is currently embroiled in a bitter divorce battle with the Beatles legend Paul McCartney, claims she has been the victim of a media hate campaign, received death threats and has likened herself to the late Princess Diana.

Mills, who has a four-year-old daughter Beatrice with Paul, tearfully told the British TV show "GMTV" this morning: "They make up such lies. They've called me a whore, a golddigger, a fantasist, a liar, the most unbelievably hurtful things, and I've stayed quiet for my daughter.

"We've had death threats, I've been close to suicide. I considered killing myself because I thought if I am dead, my daughter can be safe with her father.

"I'm so upset about this. I've had worse press than a pedophile or a murderer and I've done nothing but charity for 20 years."

Then Mills added: "I have been persecuted. What did the paparazzi do to Princess Diana? They chased her and they killed her."