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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

No nuptials for Jess – for now

Jessica Simpson (Associated Press / The Spokesman-Review)

They’re one of the down-home glam couples, a pair that bridges the worlds of pop entertainment and professional football.

Yes, we’re talking about singer/actress Jessica Simpson and her beau, Tony Romo, quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys.

Despite a lot of speculation, the couple wants to make something clear: Those persistent rumors that the couple has been shopping for rings – and that they even hold hands – are pure speculation, maybe even wishful thinking.

“We are not engaged!” Simpson told “Entertainment Tonight.” “Tony and I have not gone to Neiman Marcus – somebody said we bought a ring there. I couldn’t drag Tony into Neiman Marcus if I tried.”

She likely won’t be holding his hand either, since Romo broke the pinky finger on his throwing hands in Sunday’s 30-24 loss to the Arizona Cardinals.

No more help from his friends

Ring Starr, 68, has had it with adoring fans. He’s told them to stop asking for autographs. In a post on his Web site ( www.ringostarr.com), Ring says, “I want to tell you after the 20th of October please do not send fan mail to any address you have. Nothing will be signed after the 20th of October. If that is the date on the envelope, it’s going to be tossed.”

He is nice about it. “I’m warning you with peace and love I have too much to do,” he says. “So no more fan mail. Thank you, thank you.”

She’ll be cool, you betcha

The New York Daily News says the “newly political” Lindsay Lohan plans to dress up as Alaskan Gov. Sarah Palin for Halloween, complete with “the glasses, the perky red suit and ample cleavage.” Lohan, by the way, refers to Palin in her blog as a “narrow-minded, media-obsessed homophobe.”

It doubles as a derringer

Actress Rose McGowan showed off a diamond engagement ring on Sunday. It was given to her by Robert Rodriguez, the director who romanced her by hacking off her leg in his movie “Planet Terror,” only then to jack an M16 (with the optional grenade launcher attachment) onto her stump.

Quentin (Tarantino) is going to be my bridesmaid,” McGowan said.

Suri’s cruising for some BFFs

The New York Post speculates that Suri Cruise, 2, is lonely. The Post quotes an anonymous source who says, “Whenever (Suri) sees kids, she gets excited and runs up to them and hugs them as if she never gets to see kids her own age.” Photos show only Suri and mom, Katie Holmes, being alone together, with father Tom Cruise nowhere to be seen.

He’ll salute anything that moves

Dennis Hopper is now a commander in the French Legion of Honor. The 72-year-old actor, whose screen credits include “Apocalypse Now” and “Blue Velvet,” received France’s most prestigious prize in Paris on Monday.

The birthday bunch

Actress Linda Lavin (“Alice”) is 71. Actress-director Penny Marshall is 66. Musician Richard Carpenter of The Carpenters is 62. Singer Tito Jackson is 55. Actress Tanya Roberts (“Charlie’s Angels”) is 53. TV chef Emeril Lagasse is 49. “Trading Spaces” host Paige Davis is 39. Singer Eric Benet is 38. Singer Keyshia Cole is 27.