The Slug

"Dancing with the" Most Shocking Elimination

(AP Photo/HO/ABC)

Wow. The Slug didn't see that coming. On one hand, we're TOTALLY SHOCKED about Sabrina Ryan's dismissal on "Dancing with the Stars." Obviously, she was consistently the best "celebrity" dancer on the show. On the other hand, enough seasons of "American Idol" have made us jaded enough to know that these talent competitions are merely popularity contests, which is ultimately a shame. We're thinking it's probably time for Cameron Mathison to pull out at that thong. Otherwise, he's a goner.

"Dancing with the Stars" Goes Off-Beat

(AP Photo/HO/ABC)

Wow. The "Dancing with the Stars" judges were really nice considering the ballroom was littered with missteps (and farts, apparently) last night. Despite some highly entertaining routines, The Slug spotted boo-boos from Sabrina Ryan, Cameron Mathison, Jennie Garth and Marie Osmond. What are they gonna do when they have to learn two dances in one week!? Hmmm. We suspect Jane Seymour and Helio Castroneves will be in the bottom two tonight — with "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman" being dismissed.

"The Amazing Race" is Still Redonkulously Fun

(AP Photo/HO/CBS)

"The Amazing Race" is still, well, amazing. Spoiler alert! The Slug just finished watching a screener for the 12th season premiere, which follows the 11 teams from Los Angeles to Ireland. This year's race begins at the Playboy Mansion. Naturally, our favoritest team is Kynt and Vyxsin, a goth couple from Kentucky. Yes, they're slightly bizarre — but they're also lovable and totally underestimated by their competitors.

Of course, it wouldn't be "The Amazing Race" without a bickering couple. This year there are two: Jennifer and Nathan and Lorena and Jason. The best moment of the first episode is a challenge where the contestants must lead donkeys along the Irish countryside. One of the more annoying teams mercilessly suffers with an extremely stubborn ass. We promise you'll be braying with delight at their misfortune.

J.Lo Explodes On "Dancing with the Stars"

(AP Photo/HO/ABC)

Explosions. Glitter. Backup dancers. Big hair. Strobe lights. And lots of dangling fabric. There was so much stuff happening during Jennifer Lopez's performance on "Dancing with the Stars: The Results" last night, it's as if the "international superstar" was trying to hide something! Oh, and it's too bad about Mark Cuban getting voted off. We kinda liked the big lunk, but the judges were right. He really wasn't improving, despite his best efforts. Unlike previous seasons, we really have no clue who the Final Two will be this time.

Fainting "with the Stars"

(AP Photo/HO/ABC)

As Marie Osmond was twirling around the "Dancing with the Stars" ballroom during last night's spicy Latin Night, The Slug thought to ourselves, "You know what? We didn't think we'd like her. We even had the audacity to call her an old geezer at one point. But she's become one of the most entertaining celebrities to watch this season."

Then, as she was being critiqued by the judges, Osmond fainted. She's fine. The question is: Will the producers choose to show Osmond falling to the floor repeatedly and in slow motion on tonight's results show, like they did with Jennie Garth's quickstep tumble a few weeks ago? Probably. "Dancing with the Stars" has a way of hiking up the drama higher than Edyta Sliwinska's skirt.

Halloween Costumes Ideas

(AP Photos)

The Slug's favoritest holiday is just around the corner. That means it's time to dress up like a celebrity train wreck and hope everyone else in the room gets it. The Slug suspects lots of folks will be Anna Nicole Smith and Paris Hilton, so we're opting for other topical pop-culture icons. This year, we're keeping it simple (and cheap!), so all our ideas consist of just three elements. Let us know which of these five characters you think would garner us more tricks than treats.

• Bee Hive Wig + Black Tooth Makeup + Illegal Substances = Amy Winehouse
• Computer Chip Contacts + Cleavage + Sagging Ratings = "Bionic Woman"
• Bad Weave + Glittery Bra and Panties + No Facial Expression = Britney Spears
• Wallet Chain + Suicidal Tendencies Shirt + Farting = "Evel" Dick Donato
• Ponyhawk Wig + Microphone + No Talent = Sanjaya Malakar

Favoritest Photo of the Week: Run for the Border

(AP Photo/Matt Sayles)

Question: Why are Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt from "The Hills" posing in formal wear at a Taco Bell? Answer: Uhhhh. Something to do with raising awareness for World Hunger Relief Week? Yes, we're being serious — and that's why were making this bizarre image our Favoritest Photo of the Week. This photo begs the question: Were Heidi and Spencer the only TV personalities available? Jeez. They could've at least brought that talking chihuahua out of retirement.

TV personalities Heidi Montag, left, and Spencer Pratt pose for photographers inside a Taco Bell in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles to raise awareness and funds for World Hunger Relief Week on Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2007. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)

"Survivor: China" Head Games

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Is sneaky editing to blame? Or are the "Survivor: China" castaways who've been privy to the Hidden Immunity Idol clues — Jamie, Todd and booted Leslie — just big dumb-dumbs for not realizing the Hidden Immunity Idol is that plaque hanging above their heads? It looked like smarty-pants Todd was staring right at it during last night's episode, but we never saw the flight attendant go up in the air for it.

Bravo's Guiltiest Pleasures are Coming Back

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Forget "Top Design" and "Work Out." Bravo is finally giving us more of what we want: "The Real Housewives of Orange County" and "Project Runway." The Slug sucked up the first episodes of their upcoming new seasons, premiering Nov. 6 and Nov. 14, respectively. While the first "Runway" challenge is sorta boring — express yourself as a designer with a bunch of fabric donated by Mood —  this season's contestants are not. We'll be keeping our eyes on fierce Carmen Webber, full-of-himself Christian Siriano and fiery Rami Kashou (pictured above, left). Their debut garments worked best for us.

Over in "Orange County," new bobbleheaded cast member Tamra Barney (pictured above, right) has moved in. She just turned 40 and has a 21-year-old son. You do the math. Meanwhile, the returning "housewives" are dealing with new domestic distresses. Tammy Knickerbocker is coping with the death of her ex-husband. Jeana Keough seems headed for divorce with her current husband. And Lauri Waring is planning a wedding to a new husband. These ladies may not be as vivacious as "The Hills" girls, but their "Orange County" drama certainly feels more real.

Viva Wayne Netwon's "Dancing" Dismissal

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Not even a phony ponytail or 'stache could help the stiff Wayne Newton, who was sent back to Las Vegas on last night's "Dancing with the Stars." Unfortch, we think ol' Wayne was just too, well, old to compete against the likes of Sabrina Ryan and Cameron Mathison. In more distressing news, we learned that mumbly co-host Samantha Harris will return from maternity leave next week. Please! No! That has to be the shortest maternity leave ever. 

Sleepy in Seattle

(AP Photo/Cheryl Hatch)

So how much did you love "Pushing Daisies" last night? And who won "Top Chef"? You'll have to tell us later because The Slug is on assignment in Seattle for the rest of the week. Posts will be more sporadic than usual. In our absence, keep yourself busy with some AP reading material about a reality TV tussle, a "Desperate Housewives" controversy and the latest chapter in the Britney Spears custody trial. Check back later for our first report from the World Cyber Games Grand Final, which is being held at the Qwest Field Event Center this weekend.

Albert Reed Faces the Music on "Dancing"

(AP Photo/HO/ABC)

Just when The Slug was starting to warm up to goofy Abercrombie & Fitch model Albert Reed on ABC's "Dancing with the Stars," he was voted off the show last night. We can't be too shocked. Next to Josie Maran, he was the least famous contestant this season. Still, Reed's routine was far superior to Wayne Newton's embarrassing quickstep. This proves "Dancing with the Stars" is a definitely a popularity contest, not a talent show.

Josie Maran Foxtrots Off "Dancing"

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Goodbye, Josie Maran. It's like we never knew you. Wait. We really didn't know you.

"Top Chef" Has Got Game

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After last night's gamey elk elimination challenge, we now have our final three on "Top Chef." Bon appétit. Previously, we thought this was Casey's competition to lose, but then Dale served up that sob story about getting fired and dumped. Could the judges have a sweet spot for the mohawked chef? Whatever happens, we hope we never have to hear the contestants whine about showing the judges "what they can do" ever again. Bring on the vending machines and Bacardi product placement!

"Dancing" with the Gentlemen

(AP Photo/HO/ABC)

The men took center stage on "Dancing with the Stars" last night, turning this dignified ballroom competition into a rowdy locker room. Mark Cuban kept wagging his tongue on the dance floor. Albert Reed wouldn't stop making faces at the camera. Floyd Mayweather was constantly gyrating his hips. And Wayne Newton was, well, he was just kinda creepy. Thankfully, racer Helio Castroneves brought class, distinction and an impeccable routine to an otherwise bizarre episode. We can't wait until "Dancing with the Stars" mixes genders once again.

"Dancing" with the Ladies

(AP Photo/HO/ABC)

How annoying. ABC has divided the season premiere of "Dancing with the Stars" into two parts, well, three if you count Wednesday's results show, or four if you count our planned purging session on Thursday. Tomorrow night, the guys will do their thang. Last night, the female celebrities twirled in the spotlight.

Marie Osmond and Dr. Quinn's routines reminded us of our mom getting her groove on at a wedding reception. Kelly from "90210" and Scary Spice were scarily average. The worst, however, was probably Josie Maran, who'll probably be voted off because, well, who is Josie Maran? Luckily, the popping and locking of "Cheetah Girl" Sabrina Bryan made "Dancing with the Stars" feel like an episode of "So You Think You Can Dance," which is to say she made the show worth watching.

"Survivor: China" Goes Below the Belt

(AP Photo/HO/CBS)

The most shocking thing about the premiere of "Survivor: China" last Thursday wasn't the Buddhist welcoming ceremony, Chicken's dismissal, the fact that this season is set in China or that the castaways were stranded in just the clothes they had on. No, The Slug was most alarmed that CBS blurred the underwear of Zhan Hu tribe member Erik Huffman, the curly-haired musician from Nashville. What gives? None of the other skivvy-wearing castaways received a blur.

Sure, "Survivor" has censored plenty of butt cracks and nipple slips from scantily clad contestants over the years, but this incident didn't seem to fall into either category. When The Slug asked a CBS spokeswoman why they blur his shorts, she said, "I don’t know for sure but probably a wardrobe malfunction." Really? Judging from the publicity photo above, Huffman's undies don't even have a trapdoor. First reward challenge should probably feature pants as a prize.

You Guys Have to See "The Bachelor"

(AP Photo/HO/ABC/Karen Neal)

The eleventh season of ABC's "The Bachelor" is looking more like "I Love Flavor of Rock of New York" — or whatever those VH1 reality dating shows are called. That's because the first episode, which debuts Sept. 24, features female contestants who have webbed toes, sing horribly off-key, bend themselves into impressive pretzels or go swimming while everyone else is in formal wear. They're a far cry from Pumpkin, Hoopz and Buckee, but they are the strangest bachelorette batch yet.

"Bachelor" Brad Womack, who's referred to as THE SEXIEST "BACHELOR" EVER multiple times, isn't exempt from the oddness. He continually calls his females suitors "you guys." After meeting the ladies, Womack says, "You guys have far exceeded my expectations." Yes, we know it's just an expression, but it's still a bizarre thang to say to a group of women. We won't be DVRing this "Bachelor," but we are curious to see a future episode where B.Wo will switch places with his twin brother to trick "you guys."

"Kid Nation" Needs Lip Service

(AP Photo/HO/CBS/Monty Brinton)

After months of controversy, "Kid Nation" finally became a sovereign state on CBS last night. The reality show featuring 40 kids — and one annoying adult host — left many of us saying, "That's what all the talk was about?" While no bleach drinking or grease burning was shown in the premiere episode, the biggest problem in "Kid Nation" we witnessed was chapped lips. Mommy, did you see Town Council member Laurel's mangled mouth? Those tots should spend their pay checks on lip balm instead of root beer shots!

Our Early Favorites on "Dancing with the Stars"

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Now that the professional dancer pairings on the new season of "Dancing with the Stars" have been revealed, we're changing our tune on who we think could win. Yes, the show doesn't premiere until Sept. 24, so these are very early predictions. The Slug will be keeping an eye on the following three couples.

Mark Cuban and Kym Johnson. Tycoon Cuban might be clunky, but he's competitive and will probably dedicate himself to the dance contest. Besides, Johnson won an Australian "Dancing" edition and once made Jerry Springer look competent during their routines.

Melanie "Scary Spice" Brown and Maksim Chmerkoskiy. Scary Spice is no stranger to dance moves and probably feels like she has something to prove to the world. Mel B. and Maks C. have fiery personalities that could ignite passion on the dance floor. Or disaster.

Cameron Mathison and Edyta Sliwinska. We've interviewed the fun-loving "All My Children" hunk before and think he'll be up for anything. His partner will wear anything. She's the only dancer to have appeared on all five seasons of the show. Isn't it her time to shine?

Chatting with the Donatos from "Big Brother 8"

(AP Photo/HO/CBS)

The Slug didn't see that coming. We definitely thought the "Big Brother 8" jury would give the grand prize to Daniele Donato, not her estranged father "Evel" Dick. What was more interesting than Dick's win, of course, was the look on Jessica Hughbanks' face when it was revealed that Eric Stein had been instructed by America on how to play the game all summer long. After the jump, let's see what the Donatos have to say about their surprising win.

LISTEN: What did Dick really think bout the "America's Player" twist?

It's All in the Family on "Big Brother"

(AP Photo/HO/CBS)

They did it. They actually did it. Both Dick and Danielle Donato, the estranged father and daughter, made it to the final two on "Big Brother 8" despite claims that Dick cheated. They might as well give Danielle the $500,000 grand prize now because there's no way the jury members will vote for Dick to win. Right? The finale will probably be pretty anticlimactic, but we'll be watching tomorrow just to see how the contestants react to Eric revealing that he was "America's Player." The following day, CBS' "Big Brother" iron curtain will be lifted, and The Slug will be talking to the Donatos. Send us your questions at theslug@ap.org.

"Survivor" and "Real World" Stand-Ins

(AP Photo/HO/CBS)

CBS has been posting some pretty cool YouTube videos shot by "Survivor: China" host Jeff Probst. The new season debuts Sept. 20. This one is about the Dream Team, a group of twentysomethings who test out the physical challenges and assist in other departments. They're like cast members, but they compete for beer instead of $1 million. Nice. The Dream Team members even sit at Tribal Council so the set can be lit properly for television. CBS says upcoming videos will be about walking to the challenges and a day in the life of Probst.

"Survivor" isn't the only reality TV show to have a Dream Team. When we visited "The Real World" house in Austin, Texas, a few years back for the AP, the producers also employed seven look-a-likes. Before the actual cast moved in, the look-a-likes — they were just called production assistants, not Dream Teamers — had to just hang out around the house so the camera operators could practice following folks around. They also helped confuse on-lookers who wanted to know who was in the cast before the show aired. Sneaky!

"Top Chef" Still Flying High

Wow. What a great commercial for Continental Airlines episode of "Top Chef." We were treated to a spicy appearance by guest judge Anthony Bourdain and a challenge twist that not even seasoned reality TV viewers like us saw coming. Unfortch, our favoritest contestant, the ginormous C.J. Jacobson, was booked a flight home in this episode. Boo. Now who's gonna make all the smart-alec remarks in the kitchen!? Over the next few weeks, "Top Chef" will be all over the place: Manhattan, Colorado and Chicago. This show just moved up on our DVR priority list.

Defuser Wins "Who Wants to Be a Superhero?"

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Despite recommending it to fill the absence of "Heroes" in your heart and on your DVR this summer, The Slug didn't really get into Sci-Fi Channel's "Who Wants to Be a Superhero?" However, we did check out last night's season finale, which saw Stan Lee selecting The Defuser (real name: Jarrett Crippen) as the winner. We know The Defuser is a police detective in real life, but we never really understood his superpower, other than looking completely redonkulous in purple-and-black spandex. Mr. Mitzvah was robbed.

"The Ultimate Fighter" in Bloom

(AP Photo/HO/Spike)

While some reality TV shows flounder as they get older — cough, "Big Brother," cough — others seem to get better with age. That seems to be the case with Spike's "The Ultimate Fighter," the mixed martial arts competition that launches its sixth season Sept. 19. We got our hands on the punchy first episode.

Our favoritest moment happened after one injured fighter launched into a tirade against the doctor who told him he couldn't fight. He stormed out of the hospital and then stopped to smell a flower in the parking lot. That's not a metaphor. This goon actually copped a squat on a rock and plucked a flower off a nearby bush for a whiff. They don't show that kind of wackiness on pay-per-view.

"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?

"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.

"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.

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?

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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• Defamer: Contestant Forgets That "Big Brother 8"'s New 'Intolerance Cam' Is Always Watching