Jessica and Owen: What’s the real story?

Courtney Hazlett The Scoop

It’s always been said that timing is everything, but in the world of Jessica Simpson, this phrase is especially true.

A source close to the blond bombshell says that like her hookup with John Mayer, Simpson’s recent “dates” with Owen Wilson are meant to drum up good favor in the court of public opinion. “When Jess last had a new album coming out, that’s when she was introduced to John. She’s got her first country album coming out, so now she’s been conveniently introduced to Owen, who is a fellow Texan. Better yet, the public is sympathetic to him.”

In addition to the standard denials about any romantic wrangling from the Simpson camp, reps tell me that that country music album is still in the writing phase and that there isn’t a release date on the books yet.

That isn’t stopping the Simpson camp from plotting Jessica’s first video strategy, however. “Just like you saw Eva Longoria in the video for ‘A Public Affair,’ you’re going to see more famous faces in this video.” Naturally, Simpson has her sights set on Wilson, but she’s also hoping from support from country legend Willie Nelson, says the source.

Again, Simpson’s reps deny that any planning for the video has taken place. One thing Simpson has planned for: her first guest-hosting gig on “The View.” Tune in to see her on Wednesday, Nov. 14.

Clooney lets his lady fly solo

Video   Scoop: Strike to expand? Nov. 13: Courtney Hazlett talks with Willie Geist about the possibility of news writers and bloggers walking off the job. Morning Joe

George Clooney doesn’t keep his girlfriend on a very short leash, if gal pal Sarah Larson’s solo appearance in Las Vegas is any indication. Larson arrived sans Clooney at the Nov. 10 Maroon 5 show at the Pearl at the Palms Casino. Don’t get any idea ladies, Larson wasn’t acting overtly single; she just chatted with old friends and Palms owner George Maloof.

Criss Angel’s bad disappearing act
Celebrity magician Criss Angel walked the red carpet last week at L.A.’s Dussault opening where he had trouble making his makeup, of all things, disappear. “The guy wore more makeup than most girls I know,” an onlooker tells me.

That didn’t stop him from making the rounds days later in Vegas, where he arrived at Koi at the Planet Hollywood casino with his latest publicity stunt, Camille Guaty from NBC’s “Las Vegas.” How creative, Criss: Take the girl from “Vegas” to Vegas...

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