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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Thanks to Scientology, she’s living the high life


Kelly Preston
 (The Spokesman-Review)
The Spokesman-Review

DON’T LOOK NOW, but Tom Cruise isn’t the only movie star spouting off about Scientology these days. Kelly Preston, who plays flying superhero Josie Jetstream in the new “Sky High,” says she’d like a super power that would “stop the drugging of kids.”

Scientology, the controversial religion made notorious by Cruise’s recent rants, frowns on the use of drugs, such as Ritalin for children, preferring natural remedies such as vitamins and exercise instead.

Preston, 42, married to fellow Scientologist actor John Travolta, credits spiritualism for the success in her life and career.

“I think that sort of helps us in every aspect of our lives,” she says. “We’ve got our family. We’re really happy together.”

She also says Scientology is the secret to keeping in shape and looking youthful.

“It helps you so much, handle so much the things that burden you or (that are) painful … so that when you don’t have that any more, it lightens years off of you,” Preston explains.

No ‘Idol’ speculation for him

An independent investigation has been launched into Paula Abdul‘s conduct on “American Idol,” a Fox executive said Thursday, and results will be made public.

Peter Liguori, the network’s entertainment president, said an independent counsel has interviewed both Abdul, a judge on the talent competition, and Corey Clark, a failed contestant who says he was coached by Abdul and ultimately drawn into an affair with her.

Abdul has denied some of the elements of Clark’s story, Liguori said, but he would not go into detail. Asked whether sleeping with a contestant was a fireable offense, he said only that he would not engage in “speculation.”

So, which one cut it short?

TV personality Brooke Burke and her husband have called it quits.

The co-host of CBS’s “Rock Star: INXS” and plastic surgeon Garth Fisher announced their separation in a statement issued to People magazine. The couple, who have been married since 2001, have two children.

Burke, 33, formerly hosted E!’s “Wild On” series. Fisher has appeared on ABC’s “Extreme Makeover.”

More overexposure for Brangelina

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie may be doing a book together, but not about their purported love affair.

It would be a picture book based on the shots British photographer Steven Klein did for W magazine of the “Mr. & Mrs Smith” co-stars at Jolie’s English estate.

The book reportedly would include photos not featured in W, along with behind-the-scenes shots.

OK, time for our nap now

Vince Vaughn, who co-stars in the new romantic comedy “Wedding Crashers,” says he doesn’t understand people who are interested in the love lives of celebrities.

“I don’t know who spends their time on, ‘Oh my God, what happened today?’ ” Vaughn says.

His advice for those who are obsessed with celebrity gossip: “Go kiss someone and go get something to eat and take a nap – you’re going to be fine, kid.”

(By the way, Vaughn’s next project is “The Break Up” with Jennifer Aniston, Brad Pitt‘s ex-wife – with whom Vaughn has been linked romantically.)

The birthday bunch

Actor David Warner (“Titanic”) is 64. Singer-bassist Geddy Lee (Rush) is 52. Documentary maker Ken Burns is 52. Singer Patti Scialfa (Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band) is 52. Actress Alexandra Paul (“Baywatch”) is 42. Country singer Martina McBride is 39. Actor Wil Wheaton is 33. Singer Wanya Morris (Boyz II Men) is 32. Actor Stephen Dorff is 32. Actress Allison Mack (“Smallville”) is 23.