The Slug

Favoritest Photo of the Week: Flipping for iPhone

(AP Photo/Dima Gavrysh)

Did you get your iPhone yet? Neither did we! But these folks in line at the Fifth Avenue Apple Store in New York are probably already watching videos of skateboarding dogs, reading The New York Times and chatting away on their new high-tech cellies. The Slug selected this as our Favoritest Photo of the Week because we loved that there's a guy doing skate tricks (that's such a Mac fanboy thing to do) right near someone who's sleeping. (And if you just can't get enough phones, check out this rad asap video featuring morphing phones through the ages.) Please leave a message after the original caption. Beep:

A skateboarder who was waiting in line performs a trick as he and others wait around the corner from Apple's flagship store (not pictured) on Fifth Avenue to be among the first to buy the iPhone, Friday, June 29, 2007, in New York. The long awaited gadget hits the market today. (AP Photo/Dima Gavrysh)

Jesus and Jessi "Dance" Off

(AP Photo/HO/Fox)

Shocked. That's how we felt about the dismissal of Jesus "Chuy" Solorio and Jessi "Dehydrated" Peraltaon on last night's "So You Think You Can Dance." Solorio's performance in Wade Robson's "Triplets of Bellville" routine a few weeks ago was flawless. Just what exactly are voters (and then the judges) basing their decisions upon?

Oh, did anyone else out there notice how the audio went out and the camera cut away to the audience during Jesus' farewell speech? The Slug did. So we asked a Fox spokeswoman what happened. She said she thought he "was emotional which is why he stopped speaking." Hmmm.

Silver? More Like Bronze

(AP Photo/WETA/20th Century Fox)

We'd like to say the gaming industry is 3-0 when it comes to this summer's blockbuster sequel adaptations, but they're gonna have to settle for 3-0-1, at this point. That's because while The Slug thinks the "Spider-Man 3" and "Pirates of the Carribean: At World's End" games were better than the movie, the "Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer" game isn't better — but it's not worse, either. It's just as bad.

So, um, congratulations to The Thing, Invisible Woman, Mr. Fantastic and Johnny Storm. Some people we know actually liked the movie, but we thought it was tolerable, not horrible. Same goes for the game. Go see this week's "Up Down Left Right" weekly gaming video for our attempt to track down the Silver Surfer, but stay for our interview with funnyman Fred Willard.

Reunited and It Feels So Spice

So now that we know the Spice Girls are getting the band back together, let's speculate on the set list for their 11-city world tour. Obviously, "Wannabe" and "2 Become 1" are must includes. They'll probably throw "Say You'll Be There" and "Spice Up Your Life" in, too. We'd personally like to hear them belt out "Mama" and, um, what else? Maybe they'll let Ginger Spice do "Look at Me" from her first solo album, and, well we can't think of anymore Spice Girls songs! Uh oh. 

"Big Brother" is Coming!

(AP Photo/Reed Saxon)

We're so excited and we just can't hide it. "Big Brother 8" premieres in a week. CBS just revealed the cast and this season's twists. Some of the houseguests are past rivals — hmmm, that reminds us too much of the exes season — and one of the houseguests will be selected "America's Player" each week and must do something as voted on by at-home viewers  (flirt, lie, whatev)  to win cash. Hmmm. We'll have to wait and see how that one plays out, but anything is better than "On the Lot."

TV Land Makes Our Sick Dreams Come True

(AP Photo/Ira Gostin)

At last year's MTV Networks upfront presentation, the preview clip that thrilled us most (in a guilty pleasure sorta way) was TV Land's "Back to the Grind." The original reality series — yes, TV Land doesn't just show reruns, anymore —  features actors from classic sitcoms trying their hand at the jobs they portrayed on TV. Loni Anderson answering phones at a real radio station? We're so there. (Remember when Loni graced tabloid covers long before Jennifer Whatsherface? Ah, memories.)

More than a year later, TV Land sent us a preview of the first episode, which premieres July 18 and  features Anderson as well as Erik Estrada as a California highway patrol officer. Unfortch, "Back to the Grind" ain't nearly as juicy as we originally suspected. The first episode fell flat. It'd be better if the TV legends did the gigs for more than just a couple of days. However, we'll reserve judgment until we see episodes starring "Golden Girls" Bea Arthur and Betty White. Canyoubelievetheysignedupforthisthing?! Arthur makes like Dorothy and becomes a teacher while White hosts a cooking show à la "The Mary Tyler Moore Show." Mmmm. Could be delicious!

Don't Try This at Home

(AP Photo/HO/Red Mile)

It's a TV show on your video game console! The Slug had a chance to test out the PS2 and PSP versions of the upcoming "Jackass: The Game" from Red Mile Entertainment today. It closely follows the style of the popular TV show featuring the casts' voices and likeness and even some inside jokes. On the surface, "Jackass" is just bunch of mini-games based on stunts from the show, but there's also a "story" and multiplayer mode. It's like "Mario Party" but with poop jokes. Our fave was Suburban Slingshot, where the goal is fly across backyards and crash into stuff. Yes, it's totally stupid. Stupid fun. In related news, we're actually not addicted to video games — but we still might be. Whew!

"America's Got" Leonid the Magnificent Again

(AP Photo/HO/NBC)

Sitting through two hours of NBC's "America's Got Talent" is becoming torturous, what with the bad boy bands, slow-mo backstage footage and continued fakery of audition locales. However, this is one of the highest rated shows on TV this summer, according to Nielsen Media Research, and The Slug must stay in touch with this great nation of ours. Luckily, we were treated to the return of Leonid the Magnificent, the  giant drag queen who told the judges last year, "Yes, for you I'm Christmas tree, but for somebody else, I can be a God."

This time around, Leonid had longer locks, backup dancers and a bigger chip on his shoulder. Of course, campy Sharon Osbourne, who wasn't a judge last year, loved him, and David Hasselhoff now hates him. (Hoff, last week you flipped out over Boy Shakira and this week Leonid. What's your prob with drag, Dave?) The Slug actually wasn't as impressed with Leonid this time around. He simply did a little dance and then told the judges to "go to hell." Our advice to Leonid: Ditch your skinny backup dancers and teamup with the Glamazons, who stole last night's show. 

Hey, That's Not Paris Hilton

(AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

If you're a dumb dumb like The Slug, you tuned into "Larry King Live" last night hoping to see Paris Hilton on that giant Lite-Brite set of his, dishing on her time behind bars and maybe even crying. Instead, you were treated to the Kingster in Las Vegas celebrating one year of the Beatles and Cirque du Soleil's mashup "Love" with Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Yoko Ono and Olivia Harrison. Sigh. The exclusive (!!!) interview with Hilton actually airs tonight. As always, Larry's taking your calls and e-mails.

Blame Johnny Knoxville

(AP Photo/HO/Paramount Pictures)

So sorry we didn't post a thing yesterday! We were out late celebrating Paris Hilton's release from jail. Actually, our laptop has been on the fritz and finally went into the shop. We can rebuild him. We have the technology. We'll try to make up for that lack o' posts today. Coming up on The Slug: Our thoughts on Leonid the Magnificent's return to "America's Got Talent." And later, we'll be previewing "Jackass:  The Game." Yes, we can't believe they're making that either.

Half Off

(AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

"The Price is Right" ain't coming on down to Rosie O'Donnell so Ro ain't coming on down to fill Bob Barker's shoes. That's fine. The Slug was never really that into her taking the hosting gig, anyway. O'Donnell's Beauties just doesn't have the same ring to it. We'd much rather see George Hamilton give away cars and be accosted by overexcited audience members. 

What Lurks Inside This Swag Bag?

(AP Photo/Hillary Rhodes)

Time for another trip inside The Slug's mailbox, a recurring feature where we examine stuff sent to us by publicists, fans and our mother. This one's a surprise from the Discovery Channel in honor of the 20th anniversary of Shark Week. That bag above came sealed with the following instructions: 1. Cut along dotted line. 2. Empty contents. 3. Turn gift bag inside out. 4. Enjoy your earth friendly tote bag. Ooooh. This is gonna be like watching a good episode of "Lost." Let's go!

Favoritest Photo of the Week: Say Cheese!

(AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)

It's OK to stare! The Slug had the pleasure of attending the grand (and weird) opening of the Ripley's Believe It or Not Odditorium in Times Square this week, though we didn't meet the loverly subjects in our bizarrest Favoritest Photo of the Week yet, snapped by photographer Jason DeCrow. A couple of good-natured freaks on a red carpet? It don't get better than that. Pop your eyeballs at the original caption:

Erik "The Lizardman" Sprague, left, poses with Jalisa "The Eyepopper" Thompson as they arrive for the grand opening of the Ripley's Believe It or Not Odditorium Thursday, June 21, 2007 in New York. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)

Maybe They Want to be Called Spice Women Now

(AP Photo/Fiona Hanson)

We're not sure we wannabe ready for this news. After weeks of will-they-or-won't-they — and some please-please-don't-they — speculation, the Spice Girls are set to make an ohhhfficial announcement regarding their future plans on June 28. That's less than a week away! Are they launching a reunion tour or just a "Spice World" special edition DVD? It's tough for The Slug to imagine Spice Girls like Victoria Beckham and Melanie "Eddie Murphy is the Father of My Baby" Brown up on stage singing (or lip-syncing, whatever) their old hits again. But don't you dare think we wouldn't RSVP for that hot mess.

"So You Think" Needs a Sanjaya

(AP Photo/HO/Fox)

Last night was the second "So You Think You Can Dance" performance show. The Slug now believes this is the most difficult reality competition on TV — for viewers. On "Dancing with the Stars" and "American Idol," there's always a John Ratzenberger or Sanjaya Malakar for at-home voters to rely on crooning or cha cha cha-ing down at the bottom. But we can't think of anything bad to say about any of top 18 dancers. Sure, some of the routines were a lil' boring — bring back choreographer Wade Robson! — but there's nobody we want to see go home. The Slug votes to have them all dance for us for the rest of the summer.

You Mean He Doesn't Live in a Bio-Dome?

(AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Did you watch iconic horror director Wes Craven guest judge on this week's episode of the "On the Lot" film competition? Neither did we! However, we can't quit giggling about this Craven-related AP story and headline: "Wes Craven sues neighbor Pauly Shore." The director claims that a landslide occurred on his property last year after the comedian upgraded his home with a pool, spa, landscaping and other improvements. This would make for such a good episode of "Chillin' with the Weasel."

Today in "View" News

(AP Photo/Diane Bondareff)

Would this show just go into reruns already? Rosie O'Donnell "sure would" accept "The Price is Right" hosting gig. (Of course she would, but is she fully aware of The Slug's stipulations?) And Elisabeth Hasselbeck tells "Access Hollywood" — why do celebrities insisting on telling "Access Hollywood" stuff when "Access Hollywood" is just gonna turn around and tell everyone else!?! — that she's not sure she considers Rosie a friend. Don't expect any Plinko discs, Elisabeth, if Ro comes on down to fill Bob Barker's shoes.

Meanwhile, above-this former co-host Lisa Ling's documentary “Slave Girls of India" premieres this weekend on Oxygen. Oh, and Oprah's BFF Gayle King takes a spin in on the revolving co-host chair on today's episode. She'll be back tomorrow alongside seasoned Star Jones fill-in Sherri Shepherd. Uh oh. Two temporary co-hosts in one show?! Gayle, you sure you wanna get involved in this hot mess?

"America's Got" Boy Shakira

(AP Photo/William Fernando Martinez)

Time for more "America's Got Talent" controversy! At the Chicago auditions in last night's episode — hey, why do the producers insist upon faking the audition locations when they're all taped in Los Angeles? — judge David Hasselhoff flipped out when Boy Shakira was put through to the next round by British arbiters Sharon Osbourne and Piers Morgan.

In case you missed it, Boy Shakira is just what it sounds like: a scantily clad female impersonator grinding away on stage. (That's not him pictured above. That's the real thing.) Who knew The Hoff had such a prob with dudes whose hips don't lie? Sure, Boy Shakira was entertaining and all, and we're happy he advanced in this mind-numbing train wreck of a talent show, but he's no Leonid the Magnificent.

"Incredible Hulk" Has Back

(AP Photo/Stephanie Hoo)

Is this our first glimpse at the behind of the new new Hulk? He doesn't look anything like Edward Norton! At the Marvel booth at this year's Licensing International show, we were graced with the two-dimensional presence of "Iron Man" and "The Incredible Hulk." In his poster, this shadowy green not-quite-full-size version of the Hulk is walking away from us, toward a one-way street. Hmmm. Color us intrigued.

A Peek at the New Batpod

(AP Photo/Stephanie Hoo)

While at the Licensing International show in New York today, The Slug took a close-up look at the new Batcycle from the upcoming "The Dark Knight," which hasn't even wrapped production yet. Actually, Warner Bros. is referring to this two-wheeler as the Batpod. To ride this bad boy, Batman has to sorta straddle it and put his arms underneath that metal armor in the center, where there's some controls for the two big guns on the front. Despite the yoga position required for transport, this beast is awesome, but we don't think it would handle sharp turns very well.

Topsy Turvy Amusement Park Searches

(AP Photo/HO/Dollywood/Pat Murphy-Racey)

Yahoo! has unveiled the top 40 amusement park destinations in the United States, according to searches on the Web. As roller coaster and theme park aficionados, The Slug expected both Disney parks to take top honors, but we're totally surprised at the other results.

Dollywood didn't even crack the Top Ten. Nope, the Smokies getaway is down at No. 13. Come on! It's an amusement park themed around Dolly Parton! And Legoland — the real one, not the virtual one — is all the way down at No. 16. And get this: The Land of Make Believe ain't even on the list. Believe it. See the searches, after the jump.

The Robin Williams Quandary

(AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

While watching NBC's "Age of Love," we spotted a commercial for "License to Wed," the upcoming comedy starring Robin Williams as a lovable-but-crazy reverend who counsels future honeymooners Mandy Moore and that cute guy from "The Office." It looked horrible, which got The Slug thinking: Are there any good Robin Williams movies? Sure, we LOL-ed all the way through "Mrs. Doubtfire" and loved his creepy turn in "One Hour Photo"  — but is there anything else?

We popped open his IMDB profile and winced at the flood of baaad memories. "Man of the Year" was the worst movie of last year, seconded only by his family road trip outing "RV." "Patch Adams" was the first film that ever made us fall asleep in the theater. And we couldn't even get far enough into "The Fisher King" or "Bicentennial Man" to achieve a REM state. How can Robin Williams be so funny and so universally loved but make so many bad movies? Chuck your theories to theslug@ap.org.

"Age of" Ugh

(AP Photo/HO/NBC)

Sigh. We had such high hopes for NBC's "Age of Love" — or should we say low hopes, you know, the so-trashy-it's-a-guilty-pleasure kinda hopes. Unfortunately, this "kittens-vs.-cougars" dating show didn't even feature a meeting of the mammals. Instead, we got lots and lots of awkward introductions. ("I'm originally form Hawaii. I was born in 1967, and that makes me 40," bachelorette Lynn said in one breath. Ummm, who introduces themselves like that?!) And we're undecided on whether Mark Philippoussis is actually a hunk or just a mouthbreather. When does "Big Brother" come back, again?

Make Fred Willard Make Us Laugh

(AP Photo/Nick Ut)

We're interviewing Fred Willard on Thursday for an upcoming asap video. He's the comic genius from Christopher Guest films like "Waiting for Guffman" and "Best in Show." He's voicing the character Professor Ed Warmer in the upcoming "Brain Age" game for PSP. He'll also play a wacky weatherman in Fox's "Back to You" sitcom starring Kelsey Grammer and Patricia Heaton this fall. Do you have any questions for him — or just stuff that we can say out loud that'll inspire him to crack jokes? Send 'em to theslug@ap.org if you do.

Rosie Can Come on Down If...

(AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

The Slug will only endorse Rosie O'Donnell as the new "Price is Right" host if she agrees to the following: 1.) Show must continue to be filmed at CBS Television City. 2.) No upstaging the contestants. 3.) Must be able to sink a hole in one — or two! 4.) No musical numbers. 5.) Barker's Beauties may not be harmed during production. 5.) No giving away prizes unless contestants actually win them — yes, that goes for R Family Vacations, too. 6.) Must agree to wear a suit everyday. 8.) No Koosh balls. 9.) No Tom Cruise references. 10.) No politicking — unless it's to help control the pet population.

New Batvehicle to Be Revealed Next Week

(AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Bah. Forget about what the new Batsuit looks like from the upcoming "Dark Knight." We want to see the new Batmobile, you know, unless they're using the same rad tank from "Batman Begins." We'll get a peeksie when The Slug attends the Licensing International show next week. We think. A press release from Warner Bros. ominously teases the unveiling of an "all new Batman vehicle" at the show. Vehicle!? That could be a Batboat, Batcopter, Batcycle, Batplane or Bathotairballon!

Favoritiest Photo of the Week: Cleanup on Aisle 6

(AP Photo/Lisa Poole)

This week's Favoritiest Photo of the Week doesn't really have anything to with pop culture. We're just hungry and it sorta reminds us of our childhood. Oh, how we long for the days when our mama would plop us down in the shopping cart, let us feast on groceries yet to be purchased and then push us down the sloping parking lot of our hometown Winn-Dixie. Check out the original caption:

Keira O'Keefe, 2, eats a snack in a grocery cart, Friday, June 15, 2007 at a grocery store in Danvers, Mass. Consumer prices shot up at the fastest pace in 20 months in May, fueled by a surge in gas prices, although inflation pressures were moderate in most other areas. (AP Photo/Lisa Poole)

"Fantastic" View

(AP Photo/Derrik J. Lang)

For the past few weeks, on our way to work here at AP World Headquarters in New York, we've been passing by this billboard for "Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer," which opens today. We're more excited for the second season of "Heroes" than this superhero sequel. But the reason we're bringing this up is because we really don't think the Invisible Woman should have tolerated where The Thing's been sticking his rocky head this whole time. How rude!

Oprah vs. McConaughey

(AP Photo/Dima Gavrysh/J.P. Moczulski)

Is it better to be hot or powerful? Oprah Winfrey tops Forbes magazine's "Celebrity Power 100 List" while Matthew McConaughey is People magazine's "Bachelor of the Year." Could these two be any different? She's so smart and inspirational and he, well, he has amazing abs. Whether you responded hot or powerful, you're wrong. The correct answer is both! Next year, The Slug would really love to see these publications pool their resources to find the powerfulest and sexiest celebrity. By this time next year, that just may be someone we'd never expect.

"So You Think You Can" Make Us Nostalgic

(AP Photo/HO/Fox)

We've never seen one step from "So You Think You Can Dance," currently in its third season, until this week. We usually like our dancing reality shows flavored with B-list talent and not to have titles that start with the word "so." Despite this, we actually enjoyed "SYTYCD" — try saying that five times (or just one time) fast — because it made us feel sorta nostalgic. We're not alone. "SYTYCD" has been the highest-rated reality series since Jordin Sparks was crowned "American Idol," according to Nielsen Media Research.

If you've never seen it, "SYTYCD" has this bubbly late-80s, early-90s Nickelodeon aesthetic peppered with a "Soul Train" groove. The judges aren't annoying. Mary Murphy, in fact, is an affable Paula Abdul type. And, unlike "Dancing with the Stars," everyone here can really, really move. Maybe this will be the reality show we become addicted to this summer? Oh, who are we kidding! Once "Big Brother" returns, we know exactly where we'll be planting our feet.

You Only Live a Gazillion Times

(AP Photo/HO/Sony)

If you're anything like The Slug, you're sorta getting sick of all the highly involved online games requiring players to battle beasts, sport pointy ears, cast spells, wear a cape or all of the above. They're great but not really our thang. That's why we're super excited for "The Agency," an upcoming spy-themed online game slated to be available for both the PC and and PlayStation 3.

We've only seen a bit of early footage of the game at Sony Online Entertainment's recent Gamer Day, but even the small tease made us tingle just like "Thunderball" and the second season of "Alias" did. Check out our interview with "Agency" producer Matt Wilson in the latest installment of asap's weekly gamer video "Up Down Left Right" if you want to know more — and how and why this game will text message you in real life.

Remembering Mr. Wizard

(AP Photo/David Pickoff, file)

The Slug was never really into science when we were just a worm, but Don "Mr. Wizard" Herbert did manage to pique our interest with his potato batteries, three-story-tall straws, exploding balloons and that trippy opening sequence for his edutainmentasical Nickelodeon show. Naturally, we don't remember what any of it means, but we'll fondly miss good ol' Mr. Wizard, who died Tuesday.

Supergirl Flying to "Smallville"

     (AP Photo/HO/USPS)

Oh, brother — or should we say "oh, cousin." The CW has announced that a yet-to-be-cast Supergirl will be joining the cast of "Smallville" this fall. The seventh season premiere will revolve around rebellious 19-year-old Supergirl — aka Kara — awakening on Earth and taking an interest in Jimmy Olsen. She'll have all the powers of Clark except she'll actually be able to fly. You know what this reminds The Slug of? Cousin Oliver's arrival at the end of "The Brady Bunch."

The Slug to Paris Hilton: Call Us! Collect!

(AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)

Dear Paris: If you can somehow read this on a smuggled-in Sidekick or your mama is printing out blog posts for you or whatever, call us! We'll accept the charges! We desperately need to know if you were acting dumb when we interviewed you in your hotel room in 2005. If so, how would you have really answered our questions, you know, now that you're vowing not to act dumb? Also, forget everything we said in this asap story. We totally wrote it during your briefer-than-brief house arrest last week. Now that you're back in the clink, we think you're gaining street cred each passing day. Seriously! Now that you're in with Babs, you just may get Rosie O'Donnell's spot on "The View."

Food Network Loses a Head

(AP Photo/HO/Disney)

So summer TV is sorta sucking thus far, but we'd like to suggest one thang you definitely should be on the lookout for on your DVR this week: Food Network's "Challenge" featuring Villain Cakes. Don't worry if you didn't catch it this weekend. They're rerunin' it like a gazillion times. In this installment of the quickie competitive cooking series, pastry chefs are tasked with making cakes based on animated Disney villains. Yes, the concept is lame, but the reason we're enticing you to watch is because the head of one of the cakes falls off right at the judges' feet at the end of the episode. It's totally hilarious, embarrassing and delicious!

"The Sopranos" Doesn't Go "Six Feet Under"

(AP Photo/HO/HO/John P. Johnson)

Please quit your "awww come on"-ing and "that was it?"-ing over "The Sopranos" series finale. We don't want to hear it anymore. Nobody asked us, but here's how we would've liked "The Sopranos" to end: Everyone. Dead. Yep, we would've liked to see how each character bites it whether in the near or distant future. Uncle Junior. Meadow. Tony. Dr. Melfi. All of 'em. Axed. Yes, we know "Six Feet Under" did this when it ended, but what better way to punctuate a series these days? There's no nagging questions. The Slug is still wondering if Carrie lived happily ever after with Mr. Big John or moved on.

Building a Virtual World Out of Legos

(AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

The Slug received a startling press release from Denmark today announcing that the Lego brand is being turned into a new massively multiplayer online game titled "Lego Universe." WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE WORLD?! Legos are supposed to be a tangible toy used to build castles, cars, pirate ships or other insanely blocky primary colored structures that hurt if you accidentally step on them. Lego-themed video games and online celebrity paper dolls are one thing, but an online world made of digital Legos with mini-fig avatars running around is taking this whole virtual world trend a brick too far.

Favoritest Photo of the Week: Bye, Bob

(AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

The Slug knows how this guy feels. We're so sad that Bob Barker's taped his last episode of "The Price is Right" that we're dedicating this week's Favoritest Photo of the Week to him — and his sobbing fans. Though we're trying not to be too blue because we know there's a whole stockpile of new episodes that haven't aired yet. The Slug is also still waiting for the episode we attended to be rerun since President Bush interrupted it last December. Photo caption, come on down:

Fan Joshua Salisbury cries as legendary game show host Bob Barker, 83, finishes taping his final episode of "The Price Is Right" in Los Angeles on Wednesday, June 6, 2007. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

Bizarre Promotional Stunt of the Day

(AP Photo/Derrik J. Lang)

While we were walking from one interview to another this morning — you know, because we actually have to be a reporter and can't just sit around and blog all day — we spotted a bunch of hunky dudes wearing wetsuits and carrying around surfboards near Bryant Park in Manhattan. Check the images we snapped with our celly above. Wow. Are the waves that good? Alas, it was all just promotion for HBO's new surf noir drama "John from Cincinnati." What The Slug wants to know is what self-respecting surfer wears a T-shirt underneath neoprene, anyway? Um, not rad, dude.

"America's Got" Catfight

(AP Photo/HO/NBC)

Kudos to new "America's Got Talent" judge Sharon Osbourne for laying the smackdown on needlessly mean fellow judge Piers Morgan on last night's premiere episode after he lashed out at a pig-tailed 8-year-old cheerleader and her stage mum. Unlike Simon Cowell, this snotty Brit has zero charisma and doesn't offer any constructive criticism. If only Osbourne and glassy-eyed David Hasselhoff could vote him off. Now, Sharon, your next target should be the "America's Got Talent" editors, who did a "horrific" job of jumbling up the acts and attempting to make a Los Angeles soundstage double for the Dallas auditions.

Winner Gobbles Up "Pac-Man" Championship

(AP Photo/HO/Microsoft)

The Slug just got back from the Xbox 360 "Pac-Man" World Championship and boy is our mouth tired. (Get it? 'Cause "Pac-Man" eats stuff.) In a surprise twist, the players actually competed in the brand-new "Pac-Man Championship" edition for Xbox Live, featuring new mazes and modes. We tested it out and "Championship Edition" is just as fun as the original. The 1980s will not be stopped. You can download this fast-paced widescreen friendly version for your Xbox 360 beginning tomorrow.

In the final round of the World Cup-style competition, Carlos Romero, 27, from Mexico defeated Robert Glashuettner, 28, from Austria. The tension in the room was so thick, you could cut it with Pac-Man's teeth. As winner, Romero will receive a one-of-a-kind "Pac-Man"-themed Xbox 360, 100,000 Live points and free subs for the next 26 years from event sponsor Quizno's (or a check for about $14,000). Inky, Pinky, Blinky and Clyde, meanwhile, will get nothing. 

The Next Big Internet Revolution

(AP Photo Illustration/Derrik J. Lang)

AOL. Hot or Not. Blogs. MySpace. YouTube. The Slug believes the next big Internet craze — drum roll, please! — will be iminlikewithyou.com. OK, OK. So we're not 100 percent sold it actually will be, but just in case it does blow up like Digg.com, we want to get credit for saying so. You see, that's because we're obsessed with credit now because iminlikewithyou.com is all about racking up points by answering questions and winning conversational games. It sorta combines a traditional dating site, eBay and bubbly design. Our friend who invited us to join iminlikewithyou.com (yes, not just anyone can log on) said it was like "MySpace but without all the creeps." If you want to join, e-mail us at theslug@ap.org and we just might send you one of our invites.

We've Got "Pac-Man" Fever

(AP Photo)

Don't expect any power pellets from The Slug tomorrow.  We'll be attending the Xbox 360 Pac-Man World Championship in Times Square for most of the day. The top 10 Xbox Live Arcade "Pac" players will attempt to devour each other in World Cup-style tournament. Among other things, The Slug will be interviewing "Pac-Man" creator Toru Iwatari for asap. Got any questions (in English or Japanese) for this gaming icon? Shoot 'em to The Slug at theslug@ap.org.

What to Do While Paris Hilton is in Jail

(AP Photo/HO/GSN)

Paris Hilton is in jail for the next 23 days. How, oh how, will The Slug spend the month of June without her tabloid cameos and red carpet appearances!? By playing video games starring her, of course! (When we're not gaming, we'll watch prison chick flicks.) To cash in on Hilton's jailtime, GSN has released the Web-based game "The Prison Life: Paris" on their site which allows casual gamers to play as a bobble-headed Paris tasked with making license plates. It's kinda hard! If playing Internet-based games is not hot, you can always download "Paris Hilton's Diamond Quest" for your cell phone. And E! — home of "The Simple Life" — has an interactive quiz which will inform you if you're a Paris Hilton or Nicole Ritchie. The Slug took it and we were dubbed a Nicole, which is hot because we don't look sexy in jumpsuits.

"Fast Cars & Superstars" Revs Up

(AP Photo/HO/ABC)

We're not sure what we were expecting from ABC's "Fast Cars & Superstars — Gillette Young Guns Celebrity Race" — or, as we like to call it, "FCSGYGCR" for short. With "superstars" like wrestler John Cena, tennis pro Serena Williams and Priceline pitchman William Shatner participating, we were hoping for a "Surreal Life" on wheels. But after previewing the first two episodes, this reality show is, like, really about racing and stuff. There's way more footage of driving than high octane in-the-pit drama. If you're into that sort of thing, the first episode premieres June 7.

Favoritest Photo of (Last) Week: Shakira, Shakira

(AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)

Let's start the week off with some Shakira, shall we? Her hips don't lie and her hair don't stay in one place. Our Favoritest Photo of (Last) Week comes from Mexico City where photographer Eduaro Verdugo captured Shakira mid-shake during her concert. If he's not too busy judging reality shows, Vidal Sassoon needs to give this lady a contract. Girl has volume. Don't shake the original caption:

Colombian singer Shakira performs during her concert in Mexico City, Sunday, May 27, 2007. Mexico is the final stop of Shakira's "Oral Fixation" world tour. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)

Harry Potter Flying to Orlando

(AP Photo/HO/Universal Orlando)

As far as muggles go, The Slug ain't a huge Harry Potter fan, but we were still very excited/interested/curious when we heard the news that the Universal Orlando Resort is opening "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" at the Islands of Adventure theme park. The new "land" will include the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the Forbidden Forest and Hogsmeade village, along with Potter-themed attractions, shops and eateries. The blueprints better include a quidditch ride!