Ho Ho HO-prah!

Oprah Winfrey has sent The Ron Clark Academy some kind of stocking stuffer this Christmas: $1.5 million.

The southeast Atlanta school alerted Buzz moments ago that Winfrey sent the donation after learning the school was having trouble raising money, and told Clark she hoped the contribution would inspire others to follow her lead.

Receptionist Renita Mosley shouted when she opened the mail and discovered this check. NOTE: This photo has been altered slightly, to render bank account numbers illegible.

In true RCA style, the school celebrated with an impromptu rally in the lobby, where shouts and laughter filled the room and happy tears flowed.

“We work so hard to provide scholarships for students of all academic backgrounds and to share our successful teaching methods with the world,” co-founder Kim Beardon said. “We are incredibly thankful for Ms. Winfrey’s support.”

Along with the check, Winfrey included a note praising the school for its work with students …

Continue reading Oprah gives $1.5 million to Ron Clark Academy »

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Last night’s Season 4 “Dexter” finale apparently has blown the minds of many. The Showtime series remains a trending topic on Twitter and TV blogs are all abuzz.

The showdown between Dexter Morgan (played by Michael C. Hall) and Arthur Michell aka the Trinity Killer (John Lithgow) reached a climax (for those who have not yet seen it, we won’t spill the details − just check Twitter or Google). Most of the reaction leans toward “shocking”, “intense” and well, words we can’t print on this particular blog.

Lithgow is scheduled to do a live video chat today at 3 p.m. on ustream.com . Maybe he’ll get into the gory cliffhanging details – or maybe not.

Either way, did you see the finale? What did you think?

Continue reading ‘Dexter’ finale leaves fans in shock »

Want to avoid awkward conversation with relatives you barely know? Use this week’s top celeb news and entertainment items to break the uncomfortable silence.

• ‘Dancing with the Stars’

Donny Osmond took the crown over singer Mya and Kelly Osbourne. Let the “(insert name here) was robbed!” battles begin.

• Adam Lambert

The glam rocker from “American Idol,” who released his debut CD this week, said he has no apologies for the racy AMA performance this week (“I’m not a babysitter”). He said he’s being judged by a double-standard because a woman would not be criticized as much.

• T.I.

The imprisoned rapper’s Atlanta studio/office was vandalized last week. Police say they also found explosive Molotov cocktails nearby and are still investigating.

• ‘New Moon’

The second movie in the “Twilight” vampire series pulled in more than $140 million in its first weekend. With more vampire fans on vacation, we expect the slaying to continue.

More movie times and …

Continue reading What’s the latest celebrity news, gossip? »

Superstar actress/singer Miley Cyrus and her family say they are “deeply saddened” by the death of a tour bus driver Friday.

Bill “Uncle Bill” Douglas of Austin passed away after the bus he was driving crashed. Miley was not on the bus, which was traveling with other buses through Virginia.

“Members of our tour are like members of our family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family in the midst of this tragedy,” the family posted in a statement on www.MileyCyrus.com.

Continue reading Miley Cyrus family mourns tour bus driver »

Just in time for Thanksgiving, filmmaker Tyler Perry and Food Network personality and author Paula Deen are making sizable gifts to area hunger relief organizations.

Deen and representatives from Smithfield Foods will be here Monday to deliver more than 25,000 pounds of protein to Hosea Feed The Hungry and Homeless.

“We want to get as much food as possible to as many needy families as possible,” Deen said.

Meanwhile, Perry is supplying the Atlanta Community Food Bank and Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless each with a $50,000 donation of food and a $25,000 contribution toward operating expenses.

“There are so many people who need so much more this year, and Tyler Perry’s generous donation will make a big difference in so many lives,” said executive director Elisabeth Omilami.

Taking a cue from the boss, the cast and crew of “Tyler Perry’s Meet the Browns” and “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” are donating more than 2,250 pounds of edibles to area food …

Continue reading Tyler Perry, Paula Deen donate thousands to Atlanta charities »

Oprah Winfrey will end her talk show in 2011.  Her production company said the media powerhouse will make it official on Friday’s episode, according to reports.

For decades, her talk show has set the standard for TV. Until recently, her ratings were consistently strong (an appearance by Sarah Palin Monday boosted sluggish ratings, said the AJC’s Rodney Ho). She helped new talents like Tyra Banks, Dr. Oz, Rachel Ray and Dr. Phil start their own shows (though as a colleague reminded me, we aren’t sure what will happen to best friend Gayle King). There was also the resounding support for Pres. Barack Obama during his election bid.

Consistently one of the highest earning women in the world, Oprah turned living room book clubs into million-dollar ventures.

For Atlantans, she’s been even closer to home, by being close friends with Atlanta’s own movie maker Tyler Perry. Most recently the two went cross-country as producers and mega-watt promoters of the film “Precious,” starring …

Continue reading Oprah to end talk show in 2011 »

“Jon & Kate Plus 8” continues its downward spiral in TV land. TLC has reportedly bumped the reality series, which has halted production, with another show. You can now watch the fondant fuss of “Cake Boss” at 9 p.m. Mondays.

Meanwhile, Jon Gosselin, who recently counter-sued TLC for damaging his reputation (sure, it was all the network’s fault), has jetsetted to Hawaii.

Guess you gotta get away when you’re in the middle of a nasty divorce as he is with estranged wife Kate Gosselin.

Continue reading ‘Jon & Kate Plus 8′ gets bumped »

“Heroes” star Hayden Panettiere is jumping behind the camera for “Harvard Medical School.”

She will reportedly be co-executive producer of the CW show “HMS.” The drama, which follows the lives of med students, is suppose to be “Grey’s Anatomy” for the college set.

Continue reading ‘Heroes’ star heads to Harvard Med »

The December issue of O magazine is seeing double. Oprah Winfrey and fellow TV host Ellen Degeneres appear on two different covers − one for stores and one for subscribers (left). Both feature the two sparkling in white and gold while getting playful with an oversized gift box.

(We must admit that we were a bit confused by the November issue, which looked poinsettia red dotted by a splash of lights.)

While the mag is due out Nov. 12, Oprah’s show today will feature Ellen catching us up on things, including her upcoming gig as a judge on “American Idol.”

Continue reading Oprah, Ellen glitter on December covers of O »

Sort of.  Jennifer Love Hewitt steams up a new episode of “Ghost Whisperer,” in which her character gets in touch with the spirit of an exotic dancer.

We know there’s not much else to say, and that’s probably what show reps are banking on, so feel free to watch the video.

WARNING: This clip shows the actress dancing provocatively in an exotic nightclub setting.

Continue reading Jennifer Love Hewitt a stripper? »