Complicating "The Simple Life"

Pop quiz: Who is the prime minister of Iraq?

No clue?

How about this: What's the status of Nicole Richie and Paris Hilton's friendship?

Bet you knew the answer to that one right away. You also may have heard that Hilton's celebutante buddy Kimberly Stewart was being considered to replace Richie on the duo's tired Fox series "The Simple Life."

And if you're really up on it, you know that America may soon witness detente in Bimbo War 2005, although not because the girls are in counseling, or because Paris has reached the "forgive and, like, that other thing" stage of acceptance. Contractual obligation is more like it.

Nicole and Paris: Together again?

Or so we can glean from this morning's executive session with Fox Broadcasting Company's president of entertainment Peter Liguori, who confirmed the network has picked up Hilton and Richie for another season of "The Simple Life."

Because we sure can't get enough of that show.

Liguori admitted he was uncertain of the direction in which "Simple Life" would head this time, but hinted that since each of the girls is engaged, viewers can expect more wild and crazy fun ahead. Separately filmed wild and crazy fun, we're guessing, but still.

When asked if the pair was back in friendship's lacy bosom once more, Liguori could only say, "Not to my knowledge, but I'm not that up on it. I haven't read this week's US magazine."

That's a small relief.