Brad & Angelina

A day after he told photographers in NYC to back off while snapping pics of him with his children -- suggesting they use a telephoto lens -- Pitt was swarmed while out with son Maddox. The paps (and many random passersby) took a few steps back when Pitt requested it, giving Brad and Mad their space as they ordered some hot dogs from a street vendor.

As they hopped into their waiting SUV next to the cart, a smiling Pitt told a few of the cameramen, "Much better with the kids, you guys are better!"

A cool and respectful Pitt approached paps in New York yesterday as he entered an office building for a script reading, saying, "Man, you guys work hard!" He added that he'd be around the city with his children, and asked a favor of the photogs, saying, "Anything you guys can do long-lens would be much appreciated. You're workin' hard, you guys." Get this guy an embassy appointment!

Brad makes it look easy to be an international superstar with manners.

Brad Garrett, Gary Dourdan, Woody Harrelson-- take note.

The actor/envirovangelist chatted animatedly with Curry about progress he and Global Green have made in the last year, but was clearly emotional when talking about a 60-year-old man he met -- whose life had been turned upside down by Katrina. "I did everything right. I got a job," Pitt said he was told. "I bought a home. I raised my kids in that home. We're all split apart and we've been wiped out. What do I do?"

And then Brad and Angelina showed up.

The super duo brought the full brood along for a boat ride on Lake Michigan to take in the festivities. But the water was so choppy, the boat headed back to the dock after just 45 minutes. Brangelina can't control the weather?

Expensive car? Check. Machine gun? Check. Angelina Jolie? Check. Skirted and supine Angelina on an expensive car holding a machine gun? Check, please!

Mama Pitt was seen kickin' back and taking aims on the Chicago set of her new movie "Wanted," yesterday. The sultry screenstar and mother of four looked carismatically comfortable in her role as a the voluptuous Viper sniper.

She be bangin!

The Spawn of Brangelina is listed among the credits, below the likes of Cate Blanchett, Tilda Swinton and Elle Fanning. Shiloh is credited below Dakota's little sis? Somebody call her agent!

Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, and their Benetton brood -- never, in recent memory, seen in toto -- were in various states of grimace as they traipsed out of a Chicago museum. With Maddox, Shiloh, Zahara, and (the little right ear of) Pax in tow, the family got their art fill -- and the kids, we hear, all got dinosaurs as souvenirs.

Obsessive child adopter Angelina Jolie says that "I've never hidden my bisexuality, but since I've been with Brad, there's no longer a place for that or S&M in my life."

But Jolie's former lady lover, model/actress/mechanic Jenny Shimizu doesn't buy it. Shimizu and Jolie met in 1996, while working on the craptastic teen film "Foxfire." The Sapphic pair were involved on and off for several years.

"She loves danger and dabbling in the dark side," Shimizu recently told UK tabloid News of the World. "Angelina is an unbelievable lesbian lover. That's where she gets her kicks -- not playing happy family with one man," she added.

Brad Pitt is done with duty... jury duty that is. Diaper duty ... that's another story.

The case Brad was in line to serve on is over -- the defendant pleaded "no contest" to DUI charges and potential jurors were excused for the day.

You may now return to your regularly scheduled lives. Brad has left the building.

Brad Pitt was just about to be called into the jury room when -- hold the phone! -- the lawyers in the case he was to be a part of announced they might have a plea agreement.

Brad and other potential jurors were put on hold -- Brad in his own private room, others in the hallway -- while lawyers hammer out details. If a plea is reached, Brad and company could be sent home or assigned to another case.

Brad Pitt showed up for jury duty today. Yes... you have to too.

Pitt postponed his service several times because he was either working or out of the country. Globetrotting with Angelina has its advantages! But sources tell TMZ that this time it was planned-- Brad took a red eye flight to perform his civic duty.

Brad arrived to court in a chauffeured SUV and was allowed to park in the employee lot. He's wearing a white t-shirt, dark jeans and a cool black cap. Pitt brought a book with him -- maybe it's "First Wives Club." He was ushered to a private room, where he waited until he went to the jury assembly room for orientation along with other would-be jurors. Brad was even spotted wearing a juror badge -- yeah, he looks good in that too.

When the potential jurors broke for lunch -- still not knowing their fate -- Brad stayed behind in private room and had someone bring him lunch from Subway. Eat fresh, hunk!

Being convicted of a crime would suck -- but being told you're guilty by Brad Pitt -- that might take the sting off!

Landing via private jet in Chicago yesterday, the absolutely most beautifulest family ever, made their way to awaiting SUVs. Where's a hybrid when you need one?

On their way to sainthood, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are going to be recognized by the Australian government ... with their very own postage stamp. Lick that!

The Sydney Morning Herald reports that supermom of the world, along with hunky partner Brad Pitt and daughter Shiloh, will be reproduced from the cover of New Idea magazine -- which is sponsored by Australia Post -- and slapped onto a .50 cent stamp. A New Idea spokesman says, "These stamps will become instantly collectible and sought after by philatelists around the country."

For some time now, both Ange and Brad have been sought by philatelists who would like to stick them.

The hunky father of four is a stickler for safety, and wore a helmet even when he went inside the gas station.

Always wear protection!

Brad and Ange were caught on tape, walking in the rain while carrying Pax and Zahara to kindergarten ... just like other parents with jobs, bodyguards and umbrella wranglers.

They were seen leaving the school and returning to the woods, where the gorgeous creatures live.