The Slug

Favoritest Photo of the Week: Worlds Collide

(AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

What happens when you mix America, Italy and China? See above. Our Favoritest Photo of the Week comes to us from the other side of the planet where the Venetian Macao Resort Hotel opened this week. Just like the Venetian in Las Vegas, there's even a faux canal with singing gondoliers. (We once witnessed a proposal there ourselves.) Sail away with the original caption:

Gambling tables are set inside the casino during the opening ceremony of the Venetian Macao Resort Hotel in Macau Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2007. Casinos like the Wynn and Sands have already helped this southern coastal Chinese city surpass the Las Vegas Strip as the world's most lucrative gambling center. American billionaire Sheldon Adelson aims to take a step further with the US$2.4 billion (euro1.8 billion) Venetian scheduled to open Tuesday. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

"Big Brother" Keeper

(AP Photo/HO/CBS)

As suspected, Amber was evicted from the "Big Brother 8" house and that means no post-eviction interview with The Slug. That's because we weren't willing to agree with CBS to not to ask Amber (or Jameka, if she's evicted from the game) about those controversial remarks that Amber made a few weeks ago. However, even if Zach had been evicted last night, CBS wasn't granting evictee interviews. We're wondering what's gonna go down in the sequester house when Amber realizes that Dustin and Jen were interviewed and she wasn't. Anyway, now that Zach Attack has won Head of Household, who do you think he's going to nominate for eviction?

Posh is Always a Bridesmaid on "Ugly Betty"

(AP Photo/Rene Macura)

The rumors are true! Victoria Beckham is guest starring as herself in an episode of "Ugly Betty" this fall. Posh will be bridesmaid to — spoiler alert! — bridezilla Wilhelmina Slater, who's getting hitched to boss-man Bradford Meade next season. Hmmm. Wonder if Becks will hobble down the aisle alongside his wife? That would make this a wedding we'd definitely want to RSVP yes to!

"Big Brother" From Another Mother

(AP Photo/HO/CBS/Cliff Lipson)

Oh, what a crazy season of "Big Brother" this has been. Since the Golden Power of Veto wasn't used by Eric last night, Amber and Zach are stayin' on the block. We think Amber will be the one walking out the door this Thursday, if you take that whole "America's Player" thingie into account. Unfortch, we don't think we'll be asking her about her eviction or anything else, for that matter.

While The Slug has interviewed each evicted houseguests all season long, we won't be interviewing Amber (or Jameka, if she's evicted down the road) because CBS has stated that we must agree not to ask those houseguests about those controversial remarks Amber made a few weeks ago. The journalist part of us says that's just not something we can agree to do — so we won't.

"Dancing" with the Old Geezers

(AP Photo/Isaac Brekken)

Marie Osmond? Wayne Newton? Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman? This sounds less like a "Dancing with the Stars" cast and more like the folks who join our mother for Bingo Night at the Elks Lodge. Yes, we're a little jaded, probably because we discovered the oh-so-vibrant "So You Think You Can Dance" this summer. Mark Cuban, you are no Neil Haskell. Whatever. We'll probably tune in to see the Latin moves from Melanie "Scary Spice" Brown and Indianapolis 500 champion Helio Castroneves, anyway.

"Superbad" Saves the Summer

(AP Photo/Matt Sayles)

The Slug finally got around to seeing "Superbad" last weekend. Apparently, we weren't alone. The raunchy but smart and totally hilllllarious comedy topped the box office two weeks in a row, which is surprisingly refreshing since 2007 has been the summer of one-weekend wonders, you know, movies that open huge then disappear the next weekend. Let's hope Hollywood gets the hint that audiences aren't into over-hyped Goliath flicks that dominate the mega-plex. We're just want some McLovin.

"BioShock" Rocks

(AP Photo/HO/2K Games)

The Slug ain't the only one heralding "BioShock" as the perfect example of how video games can be compelling, artful, engrossing and intelligent. However, we're pretty sure we're the only ones out there who think "BioShock" is this generation's "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory." For the full argument, navigate your Wonkavator to this "Up Down Left Right" review.

"Beauty and the Geek" and the Girl and the Stud

(AP Photo/HO/20th Century Fox)

As we were perusing the new "Beauty and the Geek" contestants in a CW press release, we were shocked to see that one of the nerdy dudes was named Nicole. How embarrassing: a geek with a girl's name! But then we realized we skipped over the part that explained, "in their first days, they learn they have to compete against one pair that's the complete opposite — a hot guy and a geeky girl — which immediately throws the rest of the house into turmoil."

The hot guy is a Sam, a 26-year-old party promoter from Davis, Calif. The geeky girl is Nicole, a 25-year-old musicology graduate at Tufts University. This could be a verrry interesting twist for the four-year-old reality series. Let's just hope this real-life "Ugly Betty" has the chance to blossom into a butterfly or at least hookup with a bunch of her fellow nerds.

Send Us Your Questions for "Heroes"

(AP Photo/HO/NBC)

Get excited 'cause we are! Next week, The Slug is interviewing Noah Gray-Cabey, James Kyson Lee, Zachary Quinto and Dania Ramirez from NBC's "Heroes." The unlikely foursome will be in town for a "Heroes" World Tour stop. So if you wanna know something about genius Micah, sidekick Ando, eeeevil Sylar or new girl Maya, hit us up with your queries at theslug@ap.org. We're fairly sure they'll be tight-lipped about the new season, but maybe we can squeeze something out of them.

Favoritest Photo of the Week: TV of the Future

(AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)

If you showed us our Favoritest Photo of the Week last year, we would've thought it was from the future. Oh wait. Then it would've been from the future, huh? Well, we would've thought it was from the distant future — or at least before December 21, 2012, which is the end of time according to the Mayans. We blame this line of thinking on that woman's ensemble.

A model holds a glass panel encasing a 29 millimeter (1.1 inches) thick prototype TV that Japanese electronics maker Sharp Corp. unveiled in Tokyo Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2007. Sharp said the prototype TV is the thinnest, lightest and lowest energy-consuming liquid crystal display in the world. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)

Chatting with Jen from "Big Brother 8"

(AP Photo/HO/CBS)

The Slug might have to cancel our summer tour because "Big Brother 8" is giving us a case of "severe exhaustion." On last night's episode, Jen Johnson participated in an unruly cigarette tug-of-war with Dick Donato. Then, she completely disregarded her food restriction. Let's see what the evicted houseguest and second jury member has to say about her physical altercation, penalty vote and who she thinks should win the game.

LISTEN: Does Jen think Dick should've been kicked out of the house?

Is Fall TV Gonna Be Bloated?

(AP Photo/HO/ABC)

Real estate values on Wisteria Lane will probably drop what with all the new folks moving in on "Desperate Housewives." Our beloved "Heroes" has announced so many new cast members and guest stars — Veronica Mars! Uhura! One of the Bratz! — that we need a superpower just to keep track of 'em all. And the most recent "Lost" manifest has The Slug wondering if The Others multiply when they touch water. Whatever. All these new characters will probably get killed off come February sweeps, anyway.

Waxy Ladies

(AP Photos/Derrik J. Lang)

So The Slug went up to Niagara Falls last weekend to see the natural wonders and all that. Little did we know there's be oodles of celebrities — in wax form — at the local Louis Tussauds' Waxworks. (He's the great grandson of Madame, if you're confused.) Unfortch, none of wax figures or any of our souvenirs spoke to us like in "Wonderfalls."

However, the female figures did look really real when we stuck our camera in their faces and cranked up our flash. Try to guess who's who in the comments section, after the jump — or don't if the above photo of Sara Jessica Parker freaks your freak. It's only gonna get creepier, kids.

Big Stuff Going Down on "Big Brother"

(AP Photo/HO/CBS)

We don't want to spoil "Big Brother" for all the non-feed watchers out there, but we understand some hot messes have been going down this week — that don't have anything to do with Eric Stein's Woobie. We're talkin' people leaving the house, penalty nominations, men wearing bikinis, crazy stuff like that. This week's episodes will no doubt be interrrresting.

In related news, Andy Dehnart over at realityblurred said today that CBS has been "handcuffing the media" when it comes to jury interviews. Kinky! However, we definitely don't feel handcuffed. If we did, we wouldn't participate. We've simply agreed with CBS to not ask the jury members about anything they didn't see or experience themselves or say something that could sway their vote.

The Slug's "Big Brother" interviews are conducted over the phone, not via e-mail. We don't submit questions in advance. We've never done that before — for reality TV-related interviews or otherwise — and would never. Sure, it's just a silly reality TV show, but we want to get the facts right to the best of our ability. As always, we welcome your suggestions, questions or suggestions for questions at theslug@ap.org.

"Price is Right" Set Makeover is a Winner

(AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

We're not too excited about Drew Carey taking over Bob Barker's role as "Price is Right" host. We were disappointed in his game show prowess after attending the first "Power of 10" taping. However, if these photos originally posted on Golden-Road.net are totally true, we're flipping out over the new "Price is Right" set — in a good way! Luckily, the traditional layout remains, but the new colors and icons are deliciously retrotastic. If you wanna see this baby in person, you can get tickets from CBS.

"Heroes" Hires Another Blonde

Wowie zowie. "Heroes" fans, have you heard the news? We're kinda glad "Veronica Mars" got canceled if it means Kristin Bell will appear on "Heroes" in multiple episodes this fall. (Yeah, we said it.) That's two great tastes that taste great together! The "Heroes" rumor mill is already speculating that her character, who has "ties to Peter's apparent death, H.R.G.'s past and Claire's future," will be eeeevil once Zachary Quinto trades his Syler stare for some Spock ears. Could she be the villain Molly Walker hinted about in the finale? Nah. Kristin Bell is too lovable. TV Guide has a fun Q&A with her about the news.

They Were The Ones That You Wanted

(AP Photo/Richard Drew)

Don't quit your day job, America. AP drama critic Michael Kuchwara doesn't think you did such a keen job casting the latest Broadway revival of "Grease," you know, that "High School Musical" grandparent that starred John Travolta back when he was hot. Personally, we knew this whole thing was a train wreck from the beginning. Here's what Kuchwara has to say about your picks:

"As Danny, Max Crumm gives a cautious performance, vocally OK but short on swagger and sex appeal. Laura Osnes nicely gets Sandy's transformation, morphing with enthusiasm from good girl to bad babe. Check out her skintight outfit in the last scene, courtesy of designer Martin Pakledinaz. Osnes also sings well and throws herself into Marshall's spirited choreography."

Ryan Seacrest to Be Allowed Inside Emmys

(AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)

Seacrest in. The "American Idol" and "American Top 40"  host has been tapped to transcend his E! red carpet duties and actually host the 59th annual Primetime Emmy Awards on Fox. Isn't this like the nerdiest guy in school being crowned prom king? The Slug thinks the folks who ask "What are you wearing?" should stay outside the awards. Now we have a sinking feeling that Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell will get front-row seats, a conference table and some Coca-Cola to drink during the ceremony.

So We Knew Sabra Would Win

(AP Photo/HO/Fox)

Golly gosh. We're still in shock about the "So You Think You Dance" finale. It was soooo long and drawn out. We really, really, really could've done without that Ryan Cabrera performance. Luckily, our favoritest b-girl Sara was part of soooo many of the best dances of the season. She really should've stuck around longer. As we said yesterday, we soooo wanted Sabra to win, but we thought Danny would sprint away with the win, for some reason. America, you've made The Slug proud.

Favoritest Photo of the Week: Kiss and Tell

(AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Yeah, we know the kids think Zac Efron is a hottie. Apparently, so does Minnie Mouse, so much so that the floozy had the audacity to lay her lips on Troy Bolton right next to her beau Mickey — and the whole world — at the "High School Musical 2" premiere. Wait, does she even have lips? No? Guess it doesn't count then. You win this time, Minnie. But we're submitting this Favoritest Photo of the Week as evidence of your indiscretion. The original caption:

Zac Efron, a cast member in "High School Musical 2," poses with Mickey and Minnie Mouse at the premiere of the Disney Channel movie in Anaheim, Calif., Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2007. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Dustin Dishes on "Big Brother 8" Houseguests

(AP Photo/HO/CBS)

As suspected, the pawn was sent packing on last night's "Big Brother." With Daniele now crowned Head of Household, we're beginning to think Eric could make it to the end. Would that mean he'd have to share his cash with America? Since Dustin is the first member of the jury, there's certain stuff ("America's Player" twist, Diary Room conversations, etc.) that CBS has forbidden The Slug from asking him in our post-eviction interview. So we're just gonna let Dustin dish on everyone left in the house before he goes into sequester. Let's see what he has to say.

Amber:  "As a person, I think she is a wonderful individual. She has a lot to give. Hopefully, with me gone, she can focus more on the game. That was my intention with getting Nick out during my Head of Household reign."

Dick: "Dick's strategy and tactic in this game is fear, but fear does not beget respect. With that approach, he will sink just as fast as I did. ... His 'princess' comments didn't bother me. I think they probably bothered other people outside the house, my family included."

Daniele: "I feel like she is strategic and a very strong player, but she goes about everything in the most wrong way. She spent the first part of the game hiding between Nick's legs. Then, after he left, she ran between her father's."

Eric: "Eric is a very strong player. I like Eric as a person. His actions and behavior for the past few weeks have spread him too thin, but as a player, we see things eye to eye. For whatever reason, he decided it would be best get me out this week. I guess we'll see if that works for him."

Jameka: "Jameka's loyalty is admirable but questionable at the same time. She stands for a lot, but in this game, you have to push yourself as a player. It's good to have morals and values, but sometimes it's OK to break them. She's very strong and very intuitive with people."

Jen: "Jen is a question mark. I'm not sure if she's playing dumb or really that vacant. I like her as an individual, but I don't know her very well."

Jessica: "I like Jessica. Her dishonesty is one thing that has been consistent from Day One."

Zach: "Oh, ol' Zach."

"Top Chef" Can't Hold a Candle

(AP Photo/HO/Bravo)

We haven't really been keeping up with "Top Chef" like we should this season, but we're definitely DVRing up episodes. We like to watch them on a full stomach. Otherwise, we have to shut it off and go grocery shopping during the commercial breaks. Anyway, imagine our surprise last night when we tuned in and thought we were watching "Top Design" instead. The judges, that phantom blogger and Madonna's brother were freaking out over scented candles that one team used in their makeshift restaurant.   

We half expected the judges to hit Dale over the head with a Yankee Candle and scream, "NO MORE SCENTED CANDLES!!! EVER!!!" Why get in such a huff over some vanilla candles? Aren't they supposed to critique the food?  We asked asap's own Kitchen Idiot if we were out of line for thinking this firey reaction was over the top. His response: "Are you kidding me? Putting scented candles in your restaurant is like putting peanut butter on your steak." Yeesh. OK. We get it. No more scented candles. Ever.

We're Good to Go ... Play Video Games

(AP Photo/HO/Red Mile Entertainment)

A few weeks ago, we told you about our time with "Jackass: The Game." Well, we've had a preview copy of the PSP version for over a month now and have completely mastered such stunts as launching our bodies over suburban terrain, stopping a shopping cart before it rolls off the edge of a skyscraper and vomiting up eggs — all without any trips to the hospital. Does this make us a professional now? Can we try these stunts at home?

Check out this week's "Up Down Left Right," asap's weekly gaming video co-starring moi, as we preview "Jackass" and two other upcoming PSP games that harness the full power of the handheld gaming device. Don't have a PSP? Well, lucky you because Amazon started accepting pre-orders today for the new light-as-a-feather-or-at-least-an-iPhone PSP that was announced at E3. No, they didn't pay us to say that. We'll be sticking with our clunky fat PSP 'cause we appreciate its curves, baby.

"Big Brother" Goes All "Lost" on Us

(AP Photo/HO/CBS)

Spoiler alert, if you're reading this before tonight's live eviction episode of "Big Brother 8." A CBS spokeswoman e-mailed us a bizarre press release — subject line: "WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?" — detailing some wacky happenings from the house this morning. You can see what it said after the jump. Apparently, there were several freaky performers running around the "Big Brother" abode spouting clues or something. (Yes, we realize if you watch the feeds, then this is old news to you.) The Slug has neither the time nor the patience to decipher this mystery, but we'd love to hear your thoughts in our comments section.

So We Think Sabra Should Win

(AP Photo/HO/Fox)

Look, we love this show more than "American Idol" and think they should just stop the current "Idol" auditions and do two seasons of "So You Think You Can Dance" a year, but let's be honest. That finale was not that great. Tyce Dioro's "Cabaret" number made us long for Liza. Shane Sparks' hip-hop routine lacked pop (and locking). And Wade Robson's fox trot made us want to choke ourselves with a scarf.

Luckerly for us, Mia Michael's prince-off was way fun and not too gay. After our ambivalence yesterday, we finally settled on supporting Sabra as our favoritest dancer and dialed the 800 number accordingly. Then two hours went by and we realized we were supposed to call an 888 number! Urrrgh. Cat Deeley, you didn't warn us enough! Now Danny and his goodies might win!

The Pawn Shop is Open on "Big Brother"

(AP Photo/LM Otero)

Uh oh. "Evel" Dick took his daughter off the block on last night's "Big Brother" under the assumption he's sacrificing himself because the Late Night Crew has the numbers. And then silly Dustin offered himself up as a pawn. Not so fast, boys. What they don't know is Eric is "America's Player" and, as Eric has realized over the past few weeks, America is sadistic and loves to torture its player. How else could you explain that order for Eric to give Jessica, his closest ally in the house, the silent treatment?

The Slug foresees a huuuge explosion from Amber, Jameka or both and the end of the Late Night Crew if Jen, Zach, Daniele and America  get together to vote out Dustin. Hey, it could totally happen. Expect the unexpected and all that. Dustin ain't that popular at CBS.com, but would America be that cruel to its player? Could Eric recover from such a blow? Is mean ol' Dick really this unstoppable? Ladies and gentlemen, we think "Big Brother 8" is about to get really, really good.

We're Getting a "Dirty Dancing" Fever

(AP Photo/Max Nash)

As if "Dirty Dancing — The Video Game" and WE's "Dirty Dancing" reality series didn't shake you enough, now comes news that "Dirty Dancing — The Classic Story on Stage" will premiere in Chicago in September. Don't get in line just yet. That's Sept. 2, 2008. For some reason, the stage version has been selling out for years in London's West End. Wowie zowie. We're probably not too far off from "Dirty Dancing — The Clothing Line." Oh, you so know you'd wear some Johnny Castle trousers.

Time for the Last "So You Think You Can Dance"

(AP Photo/HO/Fox)

As suspected, completely capable Pasha Kovalev and Lauren Gottlieb were sent packin' on "So You Think You Can Dance" last night. And how bizarrely unnecessary was that whole empty-the-audience segment? Now we have our final four: Neil Haskell, Sabra Johnson, Lacey Schwimmer and Danny Tidwell. They'll dance-off in tomorrow's episode, and the winner will be revealed Thursday.

We're completely conflicted who on to support. The Slug has never been on Team Danny despite his impeccable top line — whatever that means! We don't know what it is about the ballet dancer. We just don't like him. Lacey's body rocks, but her facial expressions suck. Neil has the bestest personality, but Sabra is a much better dancer. Ugh. So who do you think should win? We're leaning towards Sabra. Tell us as theslug@ap.org.

Merv, We'll Miss Ya'

(AP Photo/Doug Pizac)

Naturally, as a blog who loves game shows, we admired impresario Merv Griffin, the father of "Wheel of Fortune" and "Jeopardy!" Nowadays, we rarely see innovators like Merv making TV better. Perhaps it's because creativity by committee is the Daily Double in Hollywood now or maybe we're just too hung up on trying to figure out what the heck Britney Spears' assistant has to do with a legal matter involving Kevin Federline. Anyway, hope you're resting in peace with all the vowels you want, Merv.

"All My Children" to Introduce Deaf Character

(AP Photo/HO/ABC)

Get ready for another groundbreaking first on ABC's "All My Children." In recent years, the 37-year-old soap — the one with Susan Lucci, if you're not familiar — has featured daytime's first woman-on-woman kiss, daytime's first transgender character and The Slug's first TV cameo (as a member of the paparazzi crashing Erica Kane's 10th wedding). Now, "AMC" is introducing its first deaf character: Walter Novak, to be played by deaf actor and musician Bob Hiltermann. Pine Valley sure has mastered diversity, but just how come the residents can't figure out how to stop cheating on each other?

It's "Mr. Big" Time!

(AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)

To all those cosmopolitan-drinking fans wondering if Mr. Big would be included in the "Sex and the City" movie: Abso$%&#inglutely. Chris Noth has signed on the dotted line and is ready to report to set in September. In a statement from HBO, "Sex and the City" director/mastermind Michael Patrick King says that Mr. Big will be a "very 'big' part" of the movie. Cute. See what he did there? He said Mr. Big will be a big part of the movie. Ugh. Let's hope King is storing up all his creativity until September.

Chatting with Kail from "Big Brother 8"

(AP Photo/HO/CBS)

She won't be included in the "Big Brother 8" jury, but Kail Harbick definitely made an impression on the game after being nominated a record three weeks in a row and forming an alliance that dissolved quicker than cotton candy. The mother of three who lied wasn't forthcoming about her real occupation chatted with The Slug this morning about her strategy, the "America's Player" twist and what she really thought about that Amber vs. Eric smackdown.

Favoritest Photo of the Week: Just Breathe

What could be better than being covered in water and confetti while standing next to Reeege and Kelly? In our Favoritest Photo of the Week, AP photographer Richard Drew captured Tom Sietas on "Live with Regis & Kelly" right after he broke his own Guinness record for holding his breath under water. The Slug thinks Tom should be eligible for a Guinness record for holding his breath under confetti, too. Drown in the original caption:

Confetti falls as Tom Sietas, center, 30, from Hamburg, Germany, is congratulated by Guinness World Record judge Stuart Claxton, left, after Sietas broke his own Guinness record of 14 minutes and 25 seconds for holding his breath under water, during his appearance on the "Live with Regis & Kelly" television show, in New York Thursday Aug. 9, 2007. He set a new record of 15 minutes and 2 seconds. The show's co-hosts Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa look on at right. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

Make It Work

(AP Photo/HO/Bravo)

By "it" we mean "Tim Gunn's Guide to Style." We really wanted to like the dry-but-tasty "Project Runway" mentor's new Bravo makeover show, but after watching a preview screener of the first two episodes, we felt the same way about "Guide to Style" as we felt about anything Vincent Libretti ever designed: Ehhhhhhh. In each episode, Tim Gunn and Veronica Webb teach a fashion victim some rules, let her make some bad decisions in a fancy store, correct her, give her an expensive haircut then encourage her to make her friends and family feel jealous and/or ugly. Touching!

The whole show is scandalously reminiscent of "What Not to Wear" — the slight bland American version on TLC, not the biting British version on BBC America. Such copycatting makes us wonder if Keith Michael had anything to do with this venture. The biggest difference in "Guide to Style" is that Gunn has this hand-dandy checklist of clothing items that every woman must own. Trenchcoat? Who knew?! Beyond that, there's not much innovation here. As Gunn might say himself, "It's a little ahhlarming." Hopefully, this makeover show gets a makeover if it continues.

Calling the "Big Brother" Jury to Order

(AP Photo/HO/CBS)

Surprise! Kail "Mrs. Robinson" Harbick was booted last night on "Big Brother" instead of Eric "America's Player" Stein. Now we have our jury members and finalists all living together in the "Big Brother" house. That's because next week's evicted houseguest will be the first to be sequestered, according to a CBS spokeswoman. Hmmmm. Does this mean America will get a vote on the jury if Eric doesn't make it to the end? Or will he be relieved of his duties once evicted?

Also, you may have noticed Amber Tomcavage's controversial comments weren't included in the show. CBS issued a statement saying they would never broadcast Amber's "offensive" remarks. That makes sense because, as Andy Dehnart of reality blurred wisely points out, they've never included such racially charged comments in past seasons. Check back later today for The Slug's interview with Kail where we'll ask her about the feud between Eric and Amber.

Does This Make Paula Abdul the Godmother?

(AP Photo/HO/Fox)

Here's a new way to capture the attention of "American Idol" producers during seventh season auditions: go into labor. Antoria Gillon, who tried out in Dallas on Monday while nine-months pregnant, had contractions during the auditions and gave birth after being selected to for the next round, according to a statement released by Fox. Gillon gave birth to Jamil Labarron Idol McCowan early Tuesday morning. He weighs 6 lbs. 7oz. and is a little pitchy.

Amber Ignites "Big Brother" Controversy

(AP Photo/HO/CBS)

Hey, remember earlier this year when a contestant on "Celebrity Big Brother" in the United Kingdom made some racially charged comments about Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty and the incident ignited a firestorm around the world? A similar such dispute is gaining momentum here in the U.S. with our very own "Big Brother 8." Remarks made on the live Internet feeds on Monday by Amber Tomcavage to Jameka Cameron are being blasted across the Internet.

Wonder if Amber's controversial chatter will make it into Thursday's live show? Or if she'll use her vote to evict Jewish contestant Eric Stein, who's up on the block? Word on the Internet is that Amber, a Las Vegas cocktail waitress and single mother who's said she used illegal drugs in the past, blew up in Eric's face Wednesday because he apparently threatened to reveal a secret she told him. We don't think anybody expected this type of "Big Brother" beef. We thought that banner thing was dramatic enough!

• Best Week Ever: "Big Brother" Listens In On Lil’ Miss Hitler’s Final Solution
• Dlisted: Kick This Meth Face Out!
• Israellycool: Oh "Brother"
• Fox News: Anti-Semitic Rant on CBS' "Big Brother 8"
• TMZ: "Big Brother" Shiksa Learns Jews Have Jewish Names
• Defamer: Contestant Forgets That "Big Brother 8"'s New 'Intolerance Cam' Is Always Watching

"Lost" Video Game Missing

(AP Photo/HO/ABC)

Create your own conspiracy theories! The upcoming "Lost" video game for PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 isn't quite missing like Oceanic Flight 815, but publisher Ubisoft (and probably those darned Others, too) are keeping it away from leery journalists. The game based on the cult ABC show was slated to be previewed at a Ubisoft press event in New York today, but when The Slug showed up, we were told that plan was scrapped to instead only showcase their games hitting store shelves this year. (You know, the ones we already played at E3.) Like the fourth season of the show, the "Lost" game ain't descending from the sky until next year. Boo.

New "Bachelor" Includes Facial Hair

(AP Photo/HO/ABC)

Ladies and cowboys, feast your eyes on the new "Bachelor." His name is Brad Womack, if you're interested in stalking his MySpace and Facebook profiles. Unlike clean-cut geek "Officer and Gentleman" Andy Baldwin, this Texas stud's got stubble and, according to an ABC press release, owns four bars. You know what that probably means: lots of drunken revelry and the most dramatic rose ceremony ever. You'd think ABC would've caught on and cast someone who resembles this guy.

Game Over for O.J. Simpson

(AP Photo/HO/2K Sports)

Not that we're into team sports or anything, but 2K Sports' "All-Pro Football 2K8" is a pretty cool football video game 'cause it lets you create a timeless, injuryless, scandaless dream squad, sorta like the "Laugh Olympics" or "Super Friends." Heck, you can even play as O.J. Simpson. Remember the glory days when he was more famous for handling a pigskin on the field than trying on gloves in court?

Yesterday, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge ordered that any money The Juice earns from the game must be paid to the family of the late Ronald Goldman to satisfy a $38 million wrongful death judgment. The court didn't reveal how much Simpson might have earned from the deal, but if this is any sort of precedent, we won't be surprised if a Mushroom Kingdom judge orders Mario to pay flashing coins to the family of the late Bowser.

Please Make the VMAs Stop

(AP Photo/Jeff Christensen)

The MTV Video Music Awards nominations were announced yesterday. Yeah, we don't care, either. But here's something kinda interesting: For the first time, the ceremony will be held at the Palms Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. And only eight categories will be awarded during the Sept. 9 broadcast. Ugh. Why bother? Does anyone even watch MTV anymore — let alone music videos on MTV?

Who Sent the "Big Brother" Banner?

(AP Photo/HO/CBS/Ron Edmonds)

Wow. That mysterious banner calling Eric a liar actually motivated Daniele to attempt the dangerous backdoor eviction tactic on last night's "Big Brother." And TMZ is reporting that a pilot who was gonna fly a banner revealing Eric as "America's Player" received a cease-and-desist letter from CBS. Just who's ponying up the cash to send these thangs flying over the "Big Brother" house this summer? Let's take a look at The Slug's suspects:

• Joe Barber II: The second evicted houseguest was the saddest to leave. What better way to keep a stake in manipulating the game than to send the houseguests a message he knows they will see? Then again, the banners didn't have any disparaging remarks about his ex, Dustin.
• Janelle Pierzina: She is perhaps the smartest "Big Brother" player never to have won. Maybe she was upset she didn't get another chance that she decided to usurp the integrity of the game? Nah. Janie apparently posted a message at Survivor Sucks saying she would never out Eric.
• Chill Town: They're sneaky and have the cash, but what would be Will and Boogie's motivation? Just jerking the game around again? Maybe the terrible twosome sent banners flapping over Los Angeles to move negative attention off Jen, who's been rumored to be a Chill Town ally?
  
• The Internet: We're not sure what's to gain, but who's more obsessed about what goes on inside the "Big Brother" house than our friends at Web sites such as Joker's Updates and Silly Hamsters? If enough at-home folks pooled money together online, they could totally afford such a diversion.
• Julie Chen: We know what you're thinking, "Julie Chen?! How could she? She's an objective journalist." We reply: "Exactly! What a perfect cover!" The host wouldn't bat a mascara-covered eyelash at the price of renting a prop plane. It's a tactic just advanced enough for Chenbot 2.0.
  

"Heroes" en Español

(AP Photo/HO/NBC)

It's been awhile since we've written anything about "Heroes." Yesterday, we received an e-mail from Hana Gitelman — funny, we thought she was dead — with a link to a phony article from South America posted on her blog. This Slug is not fluent in Spanish, so we had no idea what it said. Luckily, the Heroes Wiki translated the whole thang for us. Mucho gracias!

Could the two hikers mentioned in the story be siblings Maya and Alejando, pictured above in this "Heroes" publicity photo from NBC? Maya is played by Dania Ramirez, who's joined the cast this season. Hmmm. Wonder what her power will be? Will her twin brother have a superpower, too? Oh, this speculation is pointless. Let's go back to not writing about "Heroes."

My Three Dads

(AP Photos/Jeff Christensen/Frank Franklin II/Kevork Djansezian)

If you haven't called your pops to tell him you love him since Father's Day — it was June 17, you disrespectful little snot — now is probably a good time to use up some minutes to remind him how much you appreciate him, in light of today's celebrity daddy drama overload.

• After his on-again, off-again wedding, Usher actually said "I do" to Tameka Foster, who's pregnant with Usher's baby, at his lawyer's office in Atlanta.
  
• Eddie Murphy has publicly admitted he's the father of Melanie Brown's baby, but the Spice Mum ain't happy the "Daddy Day Care" star doesn't want to see his daughter.
  
• Lindsay Lohan's dad is, well, still Lindsay Lohan's dad.

The Bourne Dilemma

(AP Photo/Universal Pictures/Jasin Boland)

"The Bourne Ultimatum" took home first place at the box office this weekend. Sorry, Homer. The Slug thinks Bourne could be the next Bond. Too bad Matt Damon is playing hard-to-get when it comes to a fourth outing. If you haven't checked it out yet, you can create the next "Bourne" film in this fun MadLibs-style asap interactive. Try it with some saucy language. Tee hee hee.

America Interferes with "Big Brother"

(AP Photo/HO/CBS)

Good job, America. The Slug is proud of you. Between the votes on who Eric Stein (aka America's Player) should get evicted and a banner proclaiming he was a liar, you have caused quite an uproar in the "Big Brother" house, forcing Eric to defend himself against Dick Donato. If only Evil Dick really knew what was going on outside the house! It looks like Eric could get backdoored this week. While we weren't fans of his special role in the beginning, we've sorta warmed up to him.