Jessica Simpson's New Man: John Mayer  —  Jessica Simpson is embarking on a not-so-public affair — with singer-songwriter John Mayer, PEOPLE has confirmed.  —  "She's tiptoeing back into the dating world," a source tells PEOPLE.  "It's the first stage.  She's never been happier."

HILTON'S CD IS INSTANT TANKER  —  PARIS Hilton's career as a pop star is fizzling as quickly as one of her blink-and-you'll-miss-it relationships.  —  In its first week out of the gate, Hilton's first CD is being widely seen as a certified flop.  "Paris," which features the single …

CLEANING UP LINDSAY'S ACT  —  BILLION-heir Harry Morton is trying his best to save Lindsay Lohan from herself - and it looks like he's doing a good job.  "Harry has told her not to drink so much and is trying to calm her down," said our spy.  Lohan was scheduled to hit town …

Colin Farrell's Alleged Stalker Kept Away  —  Colin Farrell has obtained a three-year restraining order against a woman who confronted him during a July 20 taping of The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.  —  The preliminary injunction - which will expire in August 2009 - was issued …

SET UP, FED UP  —  GWEN Stefani has had it with the MTV Video Music Awards.  The "No Doubt" cutie is said to be "boycotting" tomorrow's show because of the shoddy treatment she got last year.  "She had a ton of nominations and was under the impression she would be taking home at least one award," our insider said.

Kate Hudson and Chris Robinson are giving love another chance  —  It looks like Kate Hudson and Chris Robinson aren't over after all.  Just two weeks ago the couple announced that they were separating after 6 years of marriage.  Speculation was rampant that Kate was romancing her "You, Me and Dupree" co-star Owen Wilson.

Lachey, DiScala Buy Basketball Team  —  Nick Lachey and A.J. DiScala have long been friends, and now they're business partners in the perfect venture: The two sports fans are starting a basketball team.  —  They, along with a group of celebrity owners, on Tuesday announced the formation of …

Say it ain't so, Joe:  —  Piscopo split gets ugly  —  The laughter has definitely gone out of Joe Piscopo's marriage now that the former "Saturday Night Live" star and wife Kimberly are divorcing.  —  A Hunterdon County (N.J.) Family Court judge issued temporary restraining orders …

Matt Leinart To Be a Dad  —  Football star Matt Leinart is going to be father.  The Arizona Cardinals quarterback and USC women's basketball player Brynn Cameron are expecting a baby in the fall.  —  Leinart, one of PEOPLE's Most Beautiful People this year, graduated from USC in December 2005 …

Chestica Simpson Tells a Lame Joke  —  Chestica Simpson thought she was being cute at a Yahoo! party for her album A Public Affair in NYC last night.  The sign really should've said "I Lost My Talent" or better yet "I Lost My Anal Virginity to John Mayer."  —  Even though she's lost her voice …

Cruise Makes Financing Deal With Investors  —  The actor, whose ties with Paramount were cut last week, will get up to $3 million a year to cover the overhead of his production company.  —  Tom Cruise cut a limited financing deal Monday with a group of investors who include the owner …

My Chemical Romance, Fergie Performing At VMA Preshow  —  'Red Carpet on the Rock' preshow airs Thursday at 6:30 p.m. ET/PT.  —  Fergie will kick off Thursday's Video Music Awards celebration by opening up the "Red Carpet on the Rock" preshow with a performance of her #1 hit "London Bridge."

Vince Vaugh Shirtless @ Jennifer Aniston's House  —  Vince Shirtless at Jen's House  —  Does Vince take it all off for Jen?  —  [Raises eyebrow.]  —  Looking more toned than usual, Vince Vaughn stopped by the Malibu Country Mart this past Monday to grab some grub.

Katie's nip & tuck  —  CBS mag's pic cuts anchor down in size  —  Katie Couric slimmed down in the blink of a CBS eye.  —  Tiffany Network officials admitted yesterday that an airbrushed photo making the bubbly broadcaster appear several dress sizes smaller appeared in its promotional magazine "Watch!"

NBC 'Regrets' Conan's Crash Skit  —  NBC executives apologized Monday for the Emmy Awards opening skit that showed host Conan O'Brien surviving a plane crash and aired the same day a real crash in Kentucky killed 49 people.  —  "Our hearts and prayers go out to the many families who lost loved ones …

Britney invades Japan's subways  —  If you are in Japan do everything you can to avoid the subway if you want to keep your eyesight.  Britney's Harper's Bazaar cover of her pregnant and nude has been plastered everywhere to ensure maximum eye burning.  In other news, Tokyo was covered …

Hilary Duff Helps Out in New Orleans  —  As the nation marks the first anniversary of the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina, politicians, news crews and celebrities descend upon New Orleans.  One of those celebrities is Hilary Duff.  —  Duff has worked with USA Harvest for two years.

Sarah Connor Chronicles Gets the Green Light  —  Warner Bros.  TV has set David Nutter to direct the pilot for "The Sarah Connor Chronicles," prompting Fox Broadcasting to officially greenlight production on the "Terminator"-themed project.  —  Nutter, whose last 12 pilots have all been picked …