Celebrities can not help the fact they that are so popular. We see them all over television on network television and cable and satellite channels. It is us after all, the adoring fans that create them and make them popular in the first place. If we did not care about what was going on in their lives, they would not become so famous. It might seem to most of us average unknown people that celebrities seem to be really full of themselves, and some defiantly are, but not all of them.

If we keep up to date with the news, not the celebrity stuff, but important world event news, we should realize that there are celebrities that have made room for more things in their lives besides themselves.

So many of the celebrity entertainment programs that we watch, whether they come on network television or on cable or satellite channels, often do a lot more reporting on the latest scandals that the most currently hot celebrities are immersed in. Many of us can not resist interest in who has done what and to whom. It is human nature to want to listen to gossip, especially if it is true.

Something more important about human nature is hopefully a common desire to help others and in some way make a substantial contribution to the society we live in. Sometimes the stir that some celebrities cause by what project they are working on or what trouble some have gotten themselves into, can overshadow the tremendous humanitarian works that many other famous ones are involved in.

The musician known as Bono, who has been the lead singer and lyricist of the famous group, U2 has become known world wide not only for his music, but also for his humanitarian efforts in Africa. He has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize and was given the status of honorary knighthood in the United Kingdom.

Other celebrities following his lead, especially concerning Africa, are Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, and George Clooney. They are using their status to promote attention to the deplorable conditions of the people in Darfur in Sudan, Africa. Pitt and Jolie have adopted one orphan child from Cambodia and one from Ethiopia. Oprah Winfrey has recently started an all girl school for underprivileged girls in South Africa.

It would not be fair to leave out a lesser known actor and comedian that constantly encourages a greener and better world. Ed Begley Jr. has played characters in several television shows and has become an outspoken activist for all things green or things good for our planet. He promotes all kinds of environmentally friendly products and currently has a show on HGTV called Living with Ed.

So the next time you think some celebrities are just more pretty faces, look a little closer and you might see something a little more substantial.