We always said foreign policy was sexy, and now here’s proof: Angelina Jolie is on the shortlist to join the power wonks at the Council on Foreign Relations, the exclusive New York think tank. The actress was nominated by council member Trevor Neilson, her pal and adviser on political and global matters. “There is no better way for someone who is involved in international relations to build a deep understanding of these issues,” he told us yesterday.

Guests invited to Ted Kennedy’s super-exclusive 75th birthday bash Saturday were wowed by the present at the curb of his Kalorama home: A new black Aston Martin Vanquish, with Massachusetts plates, wrapped in a big red bow.

Still struggling with your ballot for the office Oscar pool? We tapped into the wisdom of D.C. VIPs who know a thing or two about showbiz, prognosticating and winning.

Britney Spears checked back into an L.A. rehab center yesterday, her manager confirmed — a day after she abruptly fled the same clinic. It appears to be her third attempt at rehab in a week, including an aborted stay at a center in Antigua.

A shy author is an author who doesn’t sell many books, as a bookstore clerk at Union Station learned Tuesday from Janet Langhart.

For the last nine years, Jacqueline Kent Cooke has maintained a very low profile — but now the only daughter of former Redskins owner Jack Kent Cooke is back in the headlines and fighting for her inheritance.

Poor Anna Nicole Smith. Now that the Playmate/model/reality TV star can’t defend her good name, a crowd of might-be fathers is claiming credit for her paternity of 5-month-old child, Dannielynn Hope, who may or may not end up with multi-millions. A look at the contenders:

Henry Rollins wants to come home.

The former prime minister of Spain abruptly canceled a luncheon speaking engagement at Nathans in Georgetown after learning that the restaurant was going to admit Spanish reporters, desperate to quiz him about an unfolding scandal back home.

Lypsinka — embodiment of feminine glamour and power! Who better to give love advice this Valentine’s Day? We caught up with the goddess (or rather the man behind the makeup, John Epperson) after Saturday’s gala at the Studio Theatre, host to Lypsinka’s “The Passion of the Crawford.” So please advise: How do we know if a man really likes us?