The Slug

Comic-Con Jealousy

(AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

As you could probably tell, we weren't at Comic-Con this year. Boo. However, we don't want to leave you out in the cold if you weren't able to get down to San Diego for all the hot geekiness. So let us point you in the direction of our colleague (and "Up Down Left Right" co-host) Ryan Pearson's asap dispatches from the convention floor. We're so jealous! He was hanging by Jessica Alba's side, found five really cool things, watched awesome teaser trailers and interacted with fans.

Dear "Diaries"

(AP Photo/HO/Twentieth Century Fox/Barry Wetcher)

Layoffs make for great drama! While watching a preview screener for SoapNet's new "Devil Wears Prada" and "Ugly Betty" inspired reality series "The Fashionista Diaries," which chronicles three pairs of assistants in the fashion biz in New York, The Slug couldn't help but wonder what's gonna happen to the two assistants assigned to Jane magazine, which folded earlier this month. According to a press release that landed in our inbox, they'll be "reassigned" to CosmoGirl magazine and the Jane closure drama will be part of the show, which premieres Aug. 1. Now if only the Jane staff members not being chronicled for a reality show were so lucky.

Turn the Lights Out on "Hey Paula"

(AP Photo/HO/Bravo/Vivian Zink)

Every time we watch "Hey Paula," we can't stop asking ourselves why on earth Paula Abdul, a celebrity with an already fragile public image, would agree to do a show that makes her look worse. Last night, however, another question popped into our head: Just how dumb do the makers of this show think we are? They tried to make it look like Abdul ditched a meeting with an interior designer at her rental house while she and her friends were nabbing free schwag at an Oscar event. It was 3:15 p.m. at the house, but the sun had clearly set outside the windows of the schwag suite. Straight up now tell us why you gotta misrepresent reality like that to us.

Favoritest Photo of the Week: Eye Sore

(AP Photo/Miguel Villagran)

When we saw this AP photo by Miguel Villagran, we immediately started humming Rockwell's classic — OK, only — hit "Somebody's Watching Me." There's nothing like a pair of giant German eyeballs peering down at some pedestrians to inspire some '80s Motown nostalgia. How come billboards in America are never this rad? We could stare at this Favoritest Photo of the Week for hours. Peep the original caption:

Two pedestrians walk past an illuminated poster in front of the Charlottenburg Palace in Berlin, Germany, Thursday, July 26, 2007. The poster is placed at the backside of an temporary screen, till August different movies will be shown outdoors. (AP Photo/Miguel Villagran)

Chatting with Mike from "Big Brother 8"

(AP Photo/HO/CBS)

We can't say we're shocked that closed-mouthed, hot-bodied Mike Dutz was evicted from the "Big Brother 8" house in last night's live episode. Quiet people are soooo suspicious. And attractive people are sooo threatening. Not a good combination for a contestant on this summer's most paranoid reality show. Recently upgraded Chenbot didn't have much interview time with Mikey last night, so let's ask him some questions of our own.

The Dawn of Chenbot 2.0

(AP Photo/CBS/J.P. Filo)

She's spunky. She's cracking jokes. She's asking all the right questions. She's not screwing up her TelePrompTer recitations. She's not upstaged by her clothing choices. Has infamously not-that-great "Big Brother" host Julie Chen received an upgrade this season? On last night's live eviction episode, we loved how she described house guest Jen Johnson as a vain, robotic b-word, well, in a quotation because Julie Chen is a journalist, people. Now if we could just get the Chenbot to stop repeating "but first." Check back later today for The Slug's evictee interview with Mike Dutz. We're gonna try to have a conversation with him or something.

Wednesday Night Fever

(AP Photo/HO/Fox/Kelsey McNeal)

Our ultimate "So You Think You Can Dance" dream came true last night: smiley b-girl Sara Von Gillern and jumpy boy-next-door Neil Haskell, our two favoritest contestants, performed a cheesy high-energy disco routine brought to you by Velveeta. Delicious! Too bad the rest of the episode was filled with downers like the most non-Viennese waltz ever and those completely repetitive Wade Robson anti-war solos. If we never hear John Mayer's "Waiting On The World To Change" again, we'll be happier than Neil in a leisure suit.

Michael Will Get "Lost" Again

(AP Photo/HO/ABC/Mario Perez)

We still have to wait until 2008 for new episodes of "Lost," but the producers are shocking fans with some news: Michael will actually return next season. Of course, those teasers behind "Lost" ain't saying whether he'll appear in flashbacks, flashforwards, as an apparition, if Walt will be alongside him or otherwise. Whatever happens, The Slug thinks Michael will come back as a very, very changed man. After plugging bullets into two castaways to escape the island, he's got a lot of redeeming to do. Does this mean he wasn't the one in that casket?

Drew Carey to Take "Price is Right" on the Road

(AP Photo/HO/The WB/Jeffrey Thurnher)

This is gonna make that whole "come on down" thing a tad confusing. "Price is Right" host-elect Drew Carey says he's taking the long-running daytime staple on a trip away from the Bob Barker Studio at CBS Television City. During today's first taping at the Kaufman Astoria Studios of his new CBS prime-time game show "Power of 10," Carey told the audience (which included The Slug, thankyouverymuch) that the famous "Price is Right" set would be packed up and make stops across the country — with New York as a probable destination. Good luck getting that Big Wheel and Plinko board through airport security.

Lindsay Lohan Defends Herself to This Guy

(AP Photo/HO/NBC)

Her family. Her sponsor. The Los Angeles County Superior Court.  Barbara Walters. Larry King. The Slug. God. Of all the people she could plead her innocence to following her second arrest, Lindsay Lohan chose Billy Bush, the gossip-hungry and very shiny host of "Access Hollywood" and "Grease: You're the One That I Want." We had our suspicions before, but now we're really beginning to question her judgment.

 

The Artist Formerly Known as Boy Shakira

(AP Photo/HO/NBC)

On last night's horrrrible "America's Got Talent," Boy Shakira unexpectedly blossomed into Boy Britney for his semi-finalist performance. Really, Boy Shakira? Really? You already feel like you've exhausted everything from Shakira's library from which to cull your bizarre brand of female impersonation? How dare you, Boy Shakira. How dare you. Sorry, The Slug ain't supporting that. We could get behind Boy Shakira but not Boy Britney. We'll be supporting The Duttons now.

How We Feel About Four New Reality Shows

(AP Photo/HO/Bravo)

Welcome to the summer slump. Filler TV has lost its thrill, and new fall TV shows are just out of reach. What are viewers supposed to do!? Luckily, four brand-new cable reality shows about murder, a five-star hotel, some has-beens named Corey and one over-the-top house flipper are premiering soon. Three are good. One is really bad. The Slug previewed each — and here's what we thinks:

"Welcome to The Parker." We can't stop wondering how The Parker resort, the fancy focus of this particular reality series, earned each of its five stars. The management is crazy. The staff is out of control. And don't even get us started on the guests. In the first episode, The Parker crew allows an immature group of manboys to drunkenly destroy some choice vintage furnishings. Uh oh? Oh yeah! Please do not disturb The Slug. We're watching the train wreck that is "Welcome to The Parker." Premieres July 26 on Bravo.

"The Two Coreys." If you're not yet over watching has-beens and never-beens with their own reality series, then tune into "The Two Coreys" and you will be. We promise. In this stagey series, former teen idol Corey Haim moves in with fellow former teen idol Corey Feldman (and his hanger-on wife, Susie) as the Coreys attempt to reclaim their fame. Yes, it's just as sad as it sounds. Most of the first episode is spent on Haim's lingering interest in starring in "Lost Boys 2." Painful. Premieres July 29 on A&E.

"Flipping Out." Move over, Paula Abdul. Crazy has a new name, and it's Jeff Lewis. This house flipper and his wacky staff of assistants-actors (and trusty maid Zoila) are nutty, dramatic, dysfunctional and funny. He's created an insane, entertaining universe that's one part HGTV, one part "All My Children." (Jeff Lewis is Erica Kane, of course.) And unlike most docu-reality shows these days, "Flipping Out" feels genuine — and that's what makes it so watchable. Premieres July 31 on Bravo.    

"Murder." Spike TV is calling this reality show "Murder," but The Slug is gonna refer to it as "CSI: The Game Show" since the contestants are tasked with solving old homicide cases by examining recreated crime scenes and existing evidence. Despite the morbid premise, ""CSI: The Game Show" is surprisingly fun to play along with at home. Unfortch, it's not kitschy like "Clue." Hopefully, in a future episode, a participant will yell out: "It was Miss Scarlett with the pipe in the conservatory!" Probably won't happen though. Sigh. Premieres July 31 on Spike.

"Inland Empire" Side Effects

(AP Photo/Danny Moloshok)

This blog post probably isn't going to make much sense because we're about to write about David Lynch, one of our favoritest cerebral film directors. We've been ill for the past few days and decided to pop in our review copy of the "Inland Empire" DVD — which comes out Aug. 14 — after taking a doctor-prescribed drug. Big mistake. By the end of this three-hour epic, the walls were caving in around us and we were questioning our reality. We'll never be able to look at screwdrivers or bunnies the same way again. We're not sure who to blame: the pills or Lynch.

Like his other ground-breaking films and TV series "Twin Peaks," this movie has a transportive effect that's thought-provoking and totally trippy. Laura Dern stars as a "woman in trouble" who wanders around Los Angeles and Poland. Yep. That's about as much of a plot as we could decipher. The entire movie was shot by Lynch with a shaky digital camera instead of standard filmstock, so the imagery in "Inland Empire" has an unsettling is-this-for-real vibe. While we enjoyed "Inland Empire" — we think?! — it wouldn't be a bad idea for pharmacists to add "David Lynch films" right after "dangerous machinery" on drug warning labels.

"Price is Right" to Become the Drew Carey Show

(AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)

Guess we'll have to stop living in denial. In case you hadn't heard, Drew Carey has been officially tapped to replace Bob Barker as host of The Slug's favoritest game show "The Price is Right." We'd heard rumblings about this funnyman as the front-runner for Bob's job for a few weeks now but didn't publicly weigh in on The Slug, hoping that the rumors weren't true. Sigh. Pocket Change is often difficult to accept.

Drew Carey is nice and all, but we're just not sure he has that certain je ne sais Barker. We'll give him 10 Chances to see if he makes us Bonkers. Only then will we implore CBS to Let 'Em Roll right off the Golden Road. He'll get his first chance tomorrow 'cause we're scheduled to attend a taping of his new primetime game show "Power of 10." Come back tomorrow to see if we think Carey is a Hole in One (or Two).

Joe Dishes on "Big Brother" Houseguests

(AP Photo/HO/CBS)

What sweet revenge! Dick won the Head of Household competition on last night's "Big Brother 8" live episode, just moments after winning enough votes to stay in the house. We chatted with over-the-top evictee Joe Barber II this morning. He said the rivals twist was "a tad played out" and that he could have "never trusted" his ex-boyfriend Dustin. Let's see what he had to say about everyone that's left in the house — except Eric. A CBS publicist pulled him off the phone before we could ask him about "America's Player." So tell us what you think about Eric at theslug@ap.org.   

Favoritest Photo of the Week: Cops and Clowns

(AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)

Any time police officers and clowns are gathered together in one place and an AP photographer snaps a photo, it's probably a good bet it'll be The Slug's Favoritiest Photo of the Week. We love such striking and funny imagery. You can see more photos of these clowns over at our sister news blog, asap's Far and Wide. Here's the original caption. We promise it won't squirt at you:

Clowns pass near police officers at the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City, Wednesday, July 18, 2007. Hundreds of clowns of all ages ended their annual pilgrimage to the Basilica to pay their respects to the Virgin of Guadalupe. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)

Hok Flies Off "So You Think You Can Dance"

(AP Photo/HO/Fox)

Last night was not a good night for guys with three-letter names on The Slug's two favoritest summer reality series. Hok Konishi from "So You Think You Can Dance" and Joe Barber II from "Big Brother 8" were booted off their respective competitions — Hok because his "Mr. Bojangles" Broadway routine was boboring and Joe because the house guests saw through his manipulations and lies. Check back a little later today for our post-eviction interview with Joe from "Big Brother."

We're Speaking the Language of "SYTYCD"

(AP Photo/HO/Fox/Kelsey McNeal)

When we heard Wade Robson was gonna be this week's guest judge on Fox's "So You Think You Can Dance," we sorta felt like skipping the reality dance revolution. If he's next to screechy Mary Murphy then he can't choreograph one of his ahhhmazing dance routines, meaning the show will kinda be a dud.

We were wrong! That Jazzercise number set to Queen's "Body Language" choreographed for newbie couple Sara Von Gillern and Pasha Kovalev by Mandy Moore — not that Mandy Moore —  made The Slug want to run out and purchase white suspenders and teal pants. Lacewho? Kamerwha? This ballroom boy and b-girl are becoming the couple to beat and dress like!

 

Swimming with Shark Week

(AP Photo/HO/Discovery Channel)

Last night, The Slug had the pleasure of entering some shark-infested waters at the 20th anniversary party for Discovery Channel's Shark Week at Chelsea Piers' Pier 60. Can you believe there have been 20 years of eduterror (yes, we just made that word up) about these watery predators? Shark Week partygoers had to cross a makeshift bridge over some flat-screen TVs on the floor featuring shark footage to get inside the event. Scary!

After being baited with some preview footage from "Ocean of Fear: Worst Shark Attack Ever," a doc from this year's Shark Week about the sinking of the USS Indianapolis in 1945, we noshed on sushi, poke and chocolate ganache — no shark meat! — and mingled among stars from Discovery Networks shows such as Mike Rowe from "Dirty Jobs," Jeff Corwin from a gazillion different Animal Planet shows and Clinton Kelly from "What Not to Wear."

Isaiah Washington and the "Bionic Woman"

(AP Photo/Matt Sayles-File/NBC/Mitchell Haaseth)

The new fall show we're probably looking most forward to is NBC's fresh take on "Bionic Woman." Not only is The Slug a whore for superheroines (missin' you, Sydney Bristow!) and 1970s remakes, but the pilot episode we previewed is surprisingly compelling. However, we're a little shaken upon hearing the news that Isaiah Washington, who was fired from ABC's "Grey's Anatomy" after his repeated use of an anti-gay slur, has been cast in a five-episode arc as "a mysterious person who is brought into the enigmatic scientific organization" responsible for creating bionic ladies. Washington is good actor and all, but does this emerging series need this kind of attention? What do you think? Tell us your thoughts at theslug@ap.org.

"The Apprentice" to Hire Celebrities

(AP Photo/HO/NBC/Virginia Sherwood)

The Slug just gagged on our Trump Steak and fell out of our Trump Chair. NBC announced over at the Television Critics Association press tour — no, we're not members 'cause they wouldn't let us in — that not only is "The Apprentice" not fired, but the reality competition is coming back with a mid-season celebrity edition (and the network would love to have Rosie O'Donnell participate). Instead of working for The Donald, the celebrity "Apprentice" will win cash for their favoritest charity. Then, may we dare to ask, what is the point of a 15-week job interview? We'll watch D-listers dance or ice skate, but we have zero interest in watching them create marketing campaigns or bicker in a boardroom.

Looking Back at E3

(AP Photo/Stefano Paltera)

After spending a week in Los Angeles with Becks, Posh and gaming geeks, The Slug is back on the East Coast, baby. This year's E3 Media and Business Summit will probably be remembered for its controversial decision to downsize and focus on compelling new content. Nintendo introduced two innovative controllers. Sony paraded its social networking platform "Home" and continued to tease with "Killzone 2." And Microsoft is putting its money on more family-friendly fare and something called "Halo 3." Find out what The Slug thought about the swag, setup and more as we ask ourselves questions about E3, after the jump.

Ask Your Doctor if Yaz is Right for You

(AP Photo)

Have you seen those annoying new birth control pill commercials starring a gaggle of gals chatting about premenstrual dysphoric disorder? "My doctor told me about this new low-dose birth control pill. It's called Yaz," the blonde one chirps. Say whaa?! The Slug thought Yaz was an awesome synth-pop group from the '80s composed of crooner Alison Moyet, pictured above, and Depeche Moder Vince Clarke, not a pill that magically shortens visits from Aunt Flo. Do symptoms include sideways ponytail swelling and drowsy banana clips? Whatev. Our HMO probably only covers New Order pain reliever, anyway. Somebody call Michael Moore!

 

Moment of E3 Reflection

(AP Photo/Stefano Paltera)

Now this is some social networking! During the first night of E3, The Slug attended five parties: Capcom and Sony's low-key cocktail hour, Nintendo's jumbo-shrimp-filled reception, Eidos' over-the-top "Age of Conan" celebration, Bethesda Software's Saddle Ranch Club rodeo and Electronic Arts' "Rock Band" concert featuring a super-secret performance by Queens of the Stone Age. You can see our exploits (in which we channel Brooke Burke from E's "Wild On") in this week's "Up Down Left Right."

Today, we've got meetings lined up with over a dozen game developers from  Midway to Microsoft to preview (and hopefully test drive) their upcoming games. It's strange. The mood seems to be somber at this year's downsized E3, despite the gaming industry's boom and game-play innovations. Perhaps that's just because of the hassle of getting from Point A to Point B since the expo isn't being held under one roof. Many are speculating it'll be the last E3 ever, but The Slug thinks this party is just getting started.

Carol Dishes on the "Big Brother" Houseguests

(AP Photo/HO/CBS)

Julie Chen always reminds us to expect the unexpected. Nothing could've been more unexpected than jenius Jen Johnson winning the Head of Household competition on last night's "Big Brother 8" live episode. We thought she'd only be able to win a crying contest. It'll be interesting to see what happens this week since Jen seemed the likeliest to go. Enough about Jen. We asked first evictee Carol Journey what she thought about everyone left in the house. What she has to say about Daniele and Nick just may surprise you.

Favoritiest Photo of the Week: He's Heeere

(AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

While The Slug was delving through upcoming video games (and partying) at the E3 Media & Business Summit in Santa Monica, Calif., Becks and Posh were attracting a media circus on the other side of town after they touched down in the good ol' U S of A. It's like "Footballers Wives" but real! We're lovin' this image from AP photographer Mark J. Terrill of David Beckham amid a sea of out-of-focus paparazzi. Here's the original caption. Cheers:

England soccer player David Beckham smiles at photographers as he arrives at Los Angeles International Airport, Thursday, July 12, 2007, in Los Angeles. Beckham has signed to play for the Major League Soccer team Los Angeles Galaxy. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Say Hello to Darth Vader's Little Friend

(AP Photo/HO/LucasArts)

Ugh. Today is the second day of E3, and The Slug is hurting this morning. You'll see why in this week's installment of "Up Down Left Right," asap's weekly gamer video. We're such teases, aren't we? First, we wanna tell you about the games we previewed during our meeting with LucasArts. There was no "Monkey Island" announcement, but "Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron," roller-coaster constructor "Thrillville: Off the Rails" and first-person terrain deformer "Fracture" were deliciously demoed for us. They looked fresh and fun. We just wish we could've actually played them.

We were most interested in "The Force Unleashed," an action game due next year that promises to push the "Star Wars" lore forward. LucasArts' Matt Shell promised The Slug that we won't be able to just use The Force to telekinetically pick enemies up and throw them against the wall. Players will actually be able to pick foes up and thrust them through the wall — and the walls behind that one. However, he wasn't able to tell us why Darth Vader's secret apprentice is doing this to Storm Troopers, other than hinting that Vader allows the lead character to accomplish his goals at any cost. Ready, we are.

The British are Coming!

(AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)

Let's take a moment out of our hectic Electronic Entertainment Expo schedule to ponder this: Why all the hubbub about Becks and Posh? Even though The Slug is covered with the geeky blanket of E3, since we've been in Los Angeles this week, we've noticed an inordinate amount of attention about the British tabloid obsessions' impending arrival. We've seen billboards, banners, news reports and press conferences welcoming the couple to the City of Angels. Does this mean we've finally moved on from Brangelina? We'll find out soon enough.   

Finally, a Yoga Video Game!

(AP Photo/Ryan Pearson)

Whew! E3 has kicked into high metal gear solid this morning with over-the-top press conferences from Nintendo and Sony. Luckily, both media briefings featured seats with backs — and food. Sony wins though with its plush chairs, white shag carpeting and hot dog and ice cream carts that were overflowing with free grub. But we're not here for wieners and drumsticks, we're here for the games! Here's the four thangs that wowed us this morning.

"Wii Fit." Everyone who bought the Wii to just play "Wii Sports" will finally have a worthy follow-up. This interactive title allows gamers to do yoga, play goalie and aerobisize utilizing a new controller called the Balance Board. Basically, it's a wireless weight scale.

Wii Zapper. "Dunk Hunt" lives! The Wiimote is finally getting a attachment that'll allow gamers to turn their motion controller into a gun. Sure, it vaguely resembles either a dentist's instrument or sex toy, but it''ll only set gamers back $19.99.

"Killzone 2." Sony is done teasing first-person shooter lovers. At long last, they revealed actual game footage from the highly anticipated "Killzone 2" for the PlayStation 3. The highly detailed environments — rain! fire! clouds! blood! — might be worth the wait alone.

"InFamous." This PS3 exclusive from Sucker Punch made our superhero-loving heart flutter. Sony showed a brief trailer featuring a strapping superdude in a contemporary urban setting while showcasing some rad superpowers, such as some vehicle-flinging telekinesis.

Microsoft Shines Its "Halo" at E3

(AP Photo/Ryan Pearson)

The Slug's Electronic Entertainment Expo coverage continues! Last night, we had awesome second-row "seats" at Microsoft's E3 media briefing, which was held at the outdoor amphitheater at Santa Monica High School. (No jocks. Just geeks.) We sat behind Brian Crecente  from gaming blog Kotaku and between AP technology reporter Matt Slagle and our asap colleague Ryan Pearson. We use quotation marks for seats because Microsoft had everyone sit on these small foam discs on concrete steps. Where's the back support, Bill Gates?

During the flashy green-lit presentation, there was the expected: "Call of Duty 4." "Rock Band," "Assassin's Creed" and "Halo 3" footage and demonstrations. And there was the unexpected: the unveiling of a "Halo 3"-themed Xbox 360 console, heaps of Disney stuff coming to Xbox Live and some freaky "Resident Evil 5" footage that looked liked it was set in Africa. But nothing made our jaw totally drop. This morning, The Slug's attending the Nintendo and Sony press conferences. Later this afternoon, we hope our jaw will loosen up after previewing upcoming games from Ubisoft and LucasArts.

Back to School at E3

(AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

E3 festivities officially kick off tonight with Microsoft's press conference at Santa Monica High School. Yes, they're holding their press conference at a local high school. Microsoft is gonna fill an auditorium with a few thousand video game geeks. How redonkulous is that? If a bunch of football players barge in and start handing out wedgies, we're totally telling Mr. Belding. However, most gaming blogs are speculating that they're unveiling a new version of the Xbox 360. Score! We hypothesize it'll have something to do with recording television.

Mmmmm Vermmmmont

(AP Photo/Toby Talbot)

America, we have one word for you: D'oh! While we love their syrup, we don't believe Vermont's Springfield should have won USA Today's contest to find the best real-life city of Springfield. Come on. Springfield is so obviously located in The Slug's homestate of Florida, dude. Think about it. The Simpson family has yellow tans. And Springfield is home to an over-the-top theme park. Whatever. At least Nebraska didn't win.

We Don't Want Our Dead TV

(AP Photo/HO/ABC)

Ugh. What is going on? The summer of '07 has become a huge landfill on TV for gone-and-forgotten shows like "Standoff," "Traveler," "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip," "The Loop," "Drive" and "The Nine." (You probably fell asleep reading that last sentence, huh?) Why anyone would wanna watch these shows die their slow post-cancellation deaths is beyond us! Sure, "The Knights of Prosperity" was The Slug's favorite comedy of last fall, but even we can't bare to watch the final four installments, which ABC begins airing Aug. 1. We'd rather watch crappy reality shows or reruns of shows that, you know, are actually gonna come back.

"Big Brother" Philosophy

(AP Photo/HO/CBS)

Did you watch "Big Brother 8?" last night? Can you believe that three-men-and-a-lady alliance? Unexpected. So here's how we're gonna play "Big Brother" this year. We've spoken with our therapist and she says it's not a good idea to subscribe to the live feeds. We sorta became addicted to them last year. However, we will be DVRing "Big Brother After Dark," the new live Showtime show featuring an uncensored broadcast of the house from midnight to 3 a.m. The nighttime is when all the good stuff goes down anywayz. Oh, and The Slug will once again be interviewing the evicted houseguests each week. As always, we welcome your "BB" questions and comments at theslug@ap.org.   

 

"Transformers" Should've Just Stayed a Movie

(AP Photo/HO/Activision)

More doesn't meet the eye when it comes to the "Transformers" games. In case you haven't been following along at home, all summer long The Slug has been comparing big-screen blockbusters with their video game counterparts. Sure, it's electrifying to control an Autobot or Decepticon and, you know, transform into a car or chopper or whatever. However, both the next-gen and cell phone versions of "Transformers: The Game" are nowhere near as compelling or jaw-dropping as the movie.

So, to review, The Slug liked "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" and "Spider-Man 3" better than their movies, thought the "Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer" game was just as bad as the movie and believes "Transformers: The Game" doesn't have the same spark as the movie. Guess Hollywood doesn't need to prepare for an epic intergalactic civil war just yet.

E3 Ya' Later

(AP Photo/ Damian Dovarganes)

The Slug is off to Los Angeles this week to attend the Electronic Entertainment Expo, better known as E3. This year's show has been downsized is more exclusive, with only about 5,000 folks invited instead of 60,000. This week, asap's gamer video "Up Down Left Right" will be totally devoted to all the wacky E3 happenings. Check back Thursday for a link. Of course, we'll try to keep you tapped into the gaming goings-on right here on The Slug.

This is America's Player?

(AP Photo/HO/CBS)

Ugh. After watching the premiere of "Big Brother 8" and "Big Brother After Dark," we're slightly annoyed with this season's twist. Why do only three of the house guests have their rivals in the house? Why not everyone? That doesn't seem fair. And why did rivals Dick, Jessica and Dustin get immunity instead of Daniele, Carol or Joe? Whatev. We're much more displeased with Eric as "America's Player." The 27-year-old New Yorker will apparently be at the audience's mercy during his time in the house. If he does what we want, he wins cash. But why didn't we — we meaning America, not just The Slug — get to decide who our "player" would be instead of having this F-word-spouting nerd with pierced nipples foisted upon us? America, let's get together and vote Janelle back in the house.

Are We Really Gonna Love Her Forever?

(AP Photo/HO/Bravo)

And we're back. Hope you had a glorious Independence Day. So on the way home, The Slug caught a preview screener of tonight's episode of Bravo's "Hey Paula." This installment is perhaps the hottest mess yet. Here's a tease: The episode begins with an emergency all-hands-on-deck meeting of Paula Abdul's staff — way more people than just those two stylists and publicist — following Abdul's bizarro Seattle satellite interview. She's crying and sobbing so much during the meeting, be prepared to pause your DVR to read the captions. Ugh. Celebrity can be sooo ugly sometimes.

Attending the Reality TV Convention

(AP Photo/Derrik J. Lang)

The Slug is cashing in some vacation days in Nashville, Tenn., this week to celebrate our great nation's independence so we won't be blasting off posts until the Black Cats and Roman Candles have all cleared. Speaking of fireworks, we stopped by the second day of the second annual Reality TV Convention at the Radisson at Opryland yesterday. Attending this "convention" had to be one of the bizarrest experiences we've had in a looong time.