IT'S A MAN BABY!!

CHASTITY BONO IS BECOMING A MAN, BABY!!!

CHASTITY BONO . . . the daughter of CHER and the late SONNY BONO . . . is a man, baby!!! --Actually, she's not a man yet. But that's about to change . . . as are a few other critical things about Chastity.

You see, shortly after her 40th birthday in March, Chastity began the process of becoming an guy. Chastity has been a proud, out-of-the-closet lesbyterian since the early '90s.

Chastity's publicist has confirmed this AWESOME CRAZINESS. And he's already referring to Chastity with MALE PRONOUNS like "He" and "His". Oh, and Chastity also has a new, more masculine name . . . CHAZ!!!

Here's the statement from "Chaz's" rep . . . "Yes, it's true . . . Chaz, after many years of consideration, has made the courageous decision to honor his true identity. --"He is proud of his decision and grateful for the support and respect that has already been shown by his loved ones. It is Chaz's hope that his choice to transition will open the hearts and minds of the public regarding this issue, just as his 'coming out' did nearly 20 years ago. -"We ask that the media respect Chaz's privacy during this long process as he will not be doing any interviews at this time."

Not surprisingly, GLAAD is all over this. They issued a statement of their own, saying, "Chaz Bono's decision to live his life authentically represents an important step forward, both for him personally and for all who are committed to advancing discussions about fairness and equality for transgender people. --"Coming out as transgender is an extremely personal decision and one that is never made lightly."

No word yet from Cher. But Chaz's stepmother, Republican Congresswoman MARY BONO, said, she, quote, "loves and supports Chaz."

(--Here are some pictures of Chastity Bono . . . before she became . . . CHAZ . . .)

MILEY & NICK

CHECK OUT MILEY CYRUS AND NICK JONAS ON A JET SKI:

MILEY CYRUS was photographed giving NICK JONAS a ride on a jet ski Wednesday, on Tybee Island, Georgia. (--Yes, Nick was on the back. In biker parlance, that would make him the B-WORD, if you will.) (Check out the photo's below)

This in itself wouldn't necessarily be proof that Miley and Nick are back together. But that seems a lot more likely when you take into consideration the fact that Nick went to Georgia specifically to see Miley. She's there shooting a movie.

Speaking of Miley . . . DEMI LOVATO is denying that she's dating Miley's older half-brother, TRACE CYRUS. The two were caught flirting on Twitter recently . . . but Demi says they're not a couple . . . "Trace is really one of my good friends . . . People don't realize that he is really, really cool. And he is one of my good friends. -"I think we get along really well because he's someone who I can really talk to about a lot of stuff. We've both been through a lot."

INDIE IS BACK ON TOP

HARRISON FORD IS THE TOP-EARNING ACTOR OF THE YEAR:

Forbes.com has released its annual list of the 20 Top-Earning Actors of the Year . . . and HARRISON FORD is leading the pack. He pulled down $65 MILLION over the past 365 days. --Obviously, that's all "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" money. (--Think about it: He's done very little else that's even made an impression since "What Lies Beneath" back in 2000.)

It wasn't all salary, obviously. Ford, GEORGE LUCAS and STEVEN SPIELBERG all banked HUGE by taking a percentage of the profits.

Coming in second to Harrison Ford, with $55 million, is ADAM SANDLER.

-Here's the Top 10:

#1.) HARRISON FORD, $65 million
#2.) ADAM SANDLER, $55 million
#3.) WILL SMITH, $45 million
#4.) (tie) EDDIE MURPHY and NICOLAS CAGE, $40 million . . .
#6.) TOM HANKS, $35 million
#7.) TOM CRUISE, $30 million
#8.) (tie) JIM CARREY and BRAD PITT, $28 million
#10.) JOHNNY DEPP, $27 million

(--Check out the complete list, in annoying slideshow format, here . . .)http://www.forbes.com/2009/06/09/movies-sandler-depp-business-media-hollywood_slide_2.html?thisspeed=25000

FEMALE BOSS

HERE ARE FOUR REASONS WHY WOMEN . . . CAN'T BE BOSSES:

Last night, I was surfing the Internet when I came across an article on AskMen.com which made the case that women . . . are TERRIBLE bosses. Now, I'm not saying I agree (--because I DON'T, ladies). But, according to the article, here are the FOUR REASONS why women can't be bosses:

#1.) Women can't control their emotions: In order to be successful, a workplace needs to be calm and controlled. But women operate on feeling instead of logic. That makes the workplace unpredictable and, ultimately, dooms it to failure.

#2.) All women have Queen Bee Syndrome: Have you ever noticed how when one woman gets into a position of power . . . she starts gunning for the other broads in the office? It's because women are paranoid of one another, and that's no way to run an office.

#3.) Business was built by men for men: Business is based on masculinity . . . because that's how guys like it. In order to adapt, women have to take on masculine qualities. But, really, does anyone actually like the PANT SUIT? Of course not.

#4.) Women hold grudges: Ever heard the saying about a "woman scorned"? Well, there's a reason that stereotype exists. But if you want to succeed in business, you can't hold grudges. That's rule number one. (Ask Men)

(--OK, clearly this is a pretty simple-minded piece. But it raises some interesting stuff. For example, women DO tend to gun for one another in the workplace . . . at least more than guys do.)

TALK TO YOUR BOSS

HERE ARE NINE QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK YOUR BOSS:

We all know the job market totally stinks right now. With that in mind, here are NINE QUESTIONS you should ask your boss . . . in order to stay on their radar and demonstrate that you're working hard.

#1.) How will we gauge my success in three, six or 12 months? You need to know which tasks are most important to your boss and what, specifically, is required of you . . . so you don't waste your time and your boss's money.

#2.) How do you prefer to communicate and how often? You don't want to bug your boss with every little detail . . . but you don't want to seem like you don't care either. This question should prevent either of those things.

#3.) What does my career path look like at this company? If you already know your boss is happy with your job performance, this question demonstrates you're interested in making a long-term commitment to the company.

#4.) What areas do I need to develop in, to advance my career? This shows you're proactive . . . and interested in making something happen for yourself. And asking for specific feedback demonstrates you aren't just assuming what your weaknesses are.

#5.) What's our top priority? If you've got ten projects on your plate, it's helpful to know which are most important . . . in order to budget your time correctly.

#6.) Let me see if I understand this correctly . . . am I missing anything? Summarizing what your boss has told you demonstrates you're paying attention . . . and can help prevent stupid mistakes.

#7.) What are my strengths? In order to move up in the company, you need to know where your strengths lie, right?

#8.) What can I do to help you? After you've completed all your own work . . . asking this shows the boss you're willing to go above and beyond for the sake of the company.

#9.) I'm working on X, Y and Z. Do you think I can handle this task? Your boss might not know how many projects you're juggling . . . and getting a little input should help inform your priorities. Plus, it'll show the boss just how hard you're working. (CNN)

YOUR FIRED

MISS CALIFORNIA HAS BEEN FIRED:

Remember all the OUTRAGE that ensued when DONALD TRUMP announced that he was letting Miss California, CARRIE PREJEAN, keep her crown last month???

Well, yesterday . . . despite all that chaos . . . the Miss Universe organization went ahead and fired her anyway.

But it wasn't because of Carrie's stand against gay marriage, or those old topless pictures of her. It's because they still can't get her to fulfill her Miss California duties.

The organization said, "This was a business decision, based solely on contract violations. After our press conference in New York we had hoped we would be able to forge a better working relationship.

"However, since that time it has become abundantly clear that Carrie has no desire to fulfill her obligations under our contract and work together." And it was Trump who gave the final okay for Carrie to be cut loose. He said, "I told Carrie she needed to get back to work and honor her contract with the Miss California Organization and I gave her the opportunity to do so. "Unfortunately it just doesn't look like it is going to happen . . . Carrie is a beautiful young woman and I wish her well as she pursues her other interests."

Separately, Trump told TMZ, "To me she was the sweetest thing. Everyone else she treated like (crap)." -It's not likely that Carrie cares in the least that she's been fired. She's wanted to do her own thing since Day One. In fact, there are a couple of e-mails floating around that Carrie sent to pageant officials just in the last few days. One of them reads, "You do not cooperate with me, and you pick and choose the things YOU want me to do. That is not happening anymore. Stop speaking for me. I have MY own voice."

The other reads, "Also I was asked to fill in for a DJ on a local radio show. I'll be reading from a show biz script Monday. I am doing this." But that doesn't mean Carrie won't milk this for all the publicity it's worth. Yesterday, she said, "What's behind this I think is a political debate. They don't agree with the stance that I took [on gay marriage]. -"They don't like me. From day one they wanted me out and they got what they wanted." She added, "I was very respectful of people even when they slandered me and humiliated me. I have not once stooped down to their level."

In a separate interview with "Access Hollywood", she said, "None of this would be happening right now if I had just said, 'Yeah gays should get married.'" Runner-up TAMI FARRELL now gets the Miss California crown. And that sweet sash, no doubt.

GOVERNMENT NONSENSE

TRADING IN YOUR OLD GAS-GUZZLER COULD GET YOU A $4,500 VOUCHER TOWARD THE PURCHASE OF A NEW, FUEL-EFFICIENT CAR:

If there's one thing the federal government has done enough of, it's throwing taxpayer money . . . at the AUTOMAKERS.

So I'm sure you'll LOVE this new plan . . . On Tuesday, the House of Representatives passed a new bill offering vouchers worth up to $4,500 . . . to anyone who turns in an old gas-guzzler and exchanges it for a new, more fuel-efficient car.

So how exactly would the so-called "cash for clunkers" program work? -Basically, if a car owner turns in an old junker that gets 18 miles per gallon or less, and buys a new car which gets at least 22 miles per gallon . . . they'll get a $3,500 voucher toward the purchase of their new car. And if the mileage of the new car is TEN miles per gallon HIGHER than the old car, the value of the voucher would increase to $4,500.

For example, if you traded in a car that got 16 miles per gallon for one that got 26 miles per gallon, you'd get the $4,500. (--So you know, the bill is unclear about whether we're talking city miles per gallon . . . or highway miles per gallon.)

Supporters of the bill say the program will:

#1.) Stimulate car sales
#2.) Get gas-guzzlers off the road . . . and replace them with fuel-efficient cars

--Before it can become law, the "cash for clunkers" bill will have to be approved by the Senate. Overall, the program is expected to cost $4 BILLION.

(--I know what you're thinking . . . even with these vouchers, who's got enough money lying around in THIS economy to buy a new car?) (Yahoo News)

30 ROCK & THE MUPPET SHOW

THEY ARE VERY CLOSE!

Someone . . . (--with way too much time on their hands) . . . has put together a character-by-character comparison between "30 Rock" and "The Muppet Show".

(--If YOU have some time on your hands, you can soak it all in, here . . .)http://bloglynch.blogspot.com/2009/06/30-rock-is-rip-off-of-muppet-show.html

TAYLOR & T-PAIN

TAYLOR SWIFT AND (RAPPER) T-PAIN WILL BE DOING *SOMETHING* TOGETHER AT THE CMT MUSIC AWARDS:

Earlier this week TAYLOR SWIFT was bragging on her Twitter page about being in the studio with (rapper) T-PAIN. We still don't know exactly what they're up to . . . but it's definitely related to Tuesday's "CMT Music Awards".

The CMTs announced that T-Pain will be one of the presenters at the show . . . (--as will "Dancing With The Stars" champs SHAWN JOHNSON and MARK BALLAS). And they released a photo of Taylor and T-Pain posing together backstage at the show's rehearsal. Check it out . . .
You have to think CMT will have Taylor and T-Pain performing something . . . otherwise they'd be totally punking us by releasing the photo. And there's also the chance that Taylor and T-Pain took advantage of the situation and recorded some new music on their own. That would be cool. We'll have to wait until Tuesday to see for sure.

SAVED BY ALCOHOL?

A WOMAN STOPPED A PURSE-SNATCHER BY HURLING A 12-PACK OF MILLER LITE AT HIM:

I think we can all agree that alcohol CAUSES a lot of problems. But it seems, in some situations, alcohol can actually SOLVE problems too. Observe . . .

On Saturday, 28-year-old Kayte Taylor of Santa Rosa, California went into a store to buy beer.

But while Kayte was inside the store, an unidentified man bumped into her . . . and stole her WALLET. So Kayte chased the thief out of the store, and just as he was climbing onto his bike to ride away, Kayte hoisted a 12-pack of Miller Lite over her head . . . and THREW it at him.

The 12-pack knocked the thief off his bike . . . and Kayte's friends held him hostage until the police showed up. (Santa Rosa Press Democrat)

PRESIDENTIAL PARTY TIME

THE 84TH BIRTHDAY PARTY OF FORMER FIRST LADY BARBARA BUSH INCLUDED SEXY YOUNG PEOPLE IN SKIMPY BATHING SUITS . . . AND SOME SERENADING FROM LORENZO LAMAS!!!

Former First Lady BARBARA BUSH celebrated her 84th birthday at the family vacation home in Kennebunkport, Maine on Saturday. And it looks like the action got WILD!

Dig this: Barbara and her husband . . . the FIRST PRESIDENT BUSH . . . invited the cast of a local production of the musical "A Chorus Line" for what turned out to be a SEXY POOL PARTY!!!

(--Check out the pics of Barbara chilling with a guy in a Speedo . . . and George with a bikini babe on his lap below!!! )

The cast also included "Mega Shark vs. Giant Octopus" superstar LORENZO LAMAS . . . who serenaded Mrs. Bush with everyone's favorite Spanish-language ballad, "Solamente Una Vez"!!!

You might not recognize the title, but that song's actually been done by everyone from Julio Iglesias to Andrea Bocelli, the Three Tenors and even Bing Crosby. You can see VIDEO of Lorenzo Lamas singing it, here . . - http://www.tmz.com/videos?autoplay=true&mediaKey=76b40b04-8c2b-4a48-bcde-e70cdf5dbbe6

KEEPING THE KIDS SAFE

HERE ARE NINE WAYS TO KEEP TABS ON YOUR KID'S TECH USE THIS SUMMER:

Chances are your kid is completely obsessed with texting, video games and Facebook. Am I right? All kids are. With that in mind, here are NINE ways to keep tabs on your kid's tech use this summer.

#1.) Know what they're looking at online: Keep an eye on the parental control settings on your computer's Internet browser . . . and adjust them accordingly.

-If you have older kids who might know how to play with those settings, there are several content blockers on the market that can help you monitor your kid's Internet use . . . and even block certain websites. You know, like the DIRTY kind.

#2.) Manage email, IM and social networking: There's a new product on the market . . . called McAfee's Family Protection software . . . which allows you to monitor your kid's social networking and IMing.

-As an added bonus, the software alerts you when your kids try to reveal their personal information online . . . like their phone number or home address.

#3.) Limit their tech time: There's a device on the market . . . called the Power Cop . . . which can lock the power cord to your TV, video game console and computer, so you can regulate the amount of time your kids spend with their technology.

#4.) Know what they're playing: Certain video games are . . . let's face it . . . completely inappropriate for kids. Keep an eye on which games your kids are playing . . . and set the parental controls to help guard against anything you think is unacceptable.

#5.) Watch their cell phone usage: If you're worried your kid is going to rack up an insane phone bill from all the extra time spent texting this summer . . . try getting junior a calling plan with unlimited text messaging.

-And if you'd rather limit the amount of time your kids spend on the phone, most major wireless providers have plans which allow you to limit usage and downloads.

#6.) Travel with cost-effective technology: Roaming fees and international calling rates can be absolutely insane. To avoid them, try getting a cell phone travel plan. Or have your kid buy a pre-paid cell phone when they reach their destination.

#7.) Put your kids on a leash: There are a bunch of ways to keep track of your kids using GPS technology. One free program . . . called Google Latitude . . . allows you to pinpoint your kid's exact location from your cell phone or computer.

-Most wireless providers offer similar GPS programs . . . for a small fee, of course. And when all else fails, there's always the "Xplorer" shoe, a sneaker designed by the GTX Corporation that comes with a built-in GPS transceiver . . . #8.) Rein in their music purchases: Programs like iTunes allow you to set purchase limits for your kids by tweaking the parental controls. You can also restrict certain songs or movies if you feel they're inappropriate.

#9.) Keep the lines of communication open: Look, you'd have to be pretty overprotective to do all this stuff. If you really want to know what your kids are up to . . . online or otherwise . . . just TALK TO THEM. (ABC News)

JESSICA ALBA IS SORRY

JESSICA ALBA HAS APOLOGIZED FOR HER CAMPAIGN TO SAVE GREAT WHITE SHARKS:

Police in Oklahoma City are investigating a complaint against JESSICA ALBA for defacing billboards and other surfaces with posters of great white sharks. Jessica allegedly put the posters on electrical boxes, a bridge and a United Way billboard as part of some kind of "save the sharks"-type campaign.

Not only was Jessica defacing public property, but the glue on the back of the posters was particularly nasty. It made it pretty difficult to remove them. -The United Way . . . which is a CHARITY . . . had to pay $235 to fix its billboard. Jessica's reps have already contacted the United Way and offered to pay them back.

And now, Jessica has apologized herself. She issued a statement yesterday, saying, "I got involved in something I should have had no part of. "I realize that I should have used better judgment and I regret not thinking things through before I made a spontaneous and ill-advised decision to let myself get involved with the people behind this campaign. "I sincerely apologize to the citizens of Oklahoma City and to the United Way for my involvement in this incident."

(--It's not clear what Jessica Alba thought Oklahomans could do to help save sharks . . . but she's in Oklahoma City filming a movie. Here are some pictures of Jessica's campaign of vandalism. She seemed pretty proud of herself at the time . . .)

TAKE A NAP

THE NEXT TIME YOU'RE HAVING A TOUGH TIME SOLVING A PROBLEM . . . TRY TAKING A NAP:

Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night with the perfect solution to a problem you were trying ALL DAY to solve?

Well, if so, that actually makes sense. Why? Because a new study from the University of California at San Diego has found that rapid-eye-movement sleep . . . or REM sleep . . . can improve creative problem solving by as much as 40%. -A woman named Sara Mednick led the study. She says, "We found that, for creative problems that you've already been working on, the passage of time is enough to find solutions. However, for new problems, only REM sleep enhances creativity."

So why is REM sleep so important to problem solving? --Well, the researchers aren't really sure. But the working theory is that REM sleep causes changes to our neurotransmitter systems . . . which help the brain form new associations between unrelated ideas.

In other words, taking a nap might actually IMPROVE your performance at work. (--Try that one on the boss the next time he catches you sleeping at your desk.) (Health Day)

ZACK IS BACK

MARK-PAUL GOSSELAAR BROUGHT ZACK MORRIS BACK ON "LATE NIGHT WITH JIMMY FALLON":

If you missed it, you MUST check this out: MARK-PAUL GOSSELAAR was a guest on Monday night's episode of "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" . . . and he did the entire interview as his classic "Saved By the Bell" character, Zack Morris!!! (--Mark-Paul was there to promote his TNT legal show, "Raising the Bar".)

He was in full costume . . . complete with the classic blonde hairstyle, the acid-washed jeans, the hightops, and the open button-up shirt. He brought back Zack's voice, and regularly addressed the camera directly, like he used to do on "Saved By the Bell". (--He also winked at the camera . . . did some sweet, "time out" freezes . . . and used his awesome, GIANT cell phone!!! He also "performed" one of his old Zack Attack songs, "Friends Forever", with Jimmy's house band, THE ROOTS!!!)

While Jimmy acted awkwardly confused . . . (--not that he has to "act" that way) . . . Mark-Paul explained, "I AM Zack Morris. "After school, I became an actor. I had to change my name to Mark-Paul Gosselaar because there was already a Zack Morris in SAG." (--SAG, of course, is the Screen Actors Guild. You can watch Mark-Paul's brilliant appearance, here . . .) http://www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com/video/clips/saved-by-the-bell-reunion-update-3-6809/1121321/

NEW JO-BRO VIDEO

TAKE A SNEAK PEAK AT THE NEW JONAS BROTHER'S VIDEO..

A new JONAS BROTHERS video has been released. This one is for their new single, "Fly with Me".

(--You can check it out, here . . .) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=un-KTpvCPXo

THEIR GREEEEAAAATTT!!

***FIVE REASONS TO EAT MORE CEREAL***

Mornings are hectic for most people, which is why cereal is the perfect breakfast. A lot of kids' cereal is coated with sugar, but HEALTHY, whole-grain breakfast cereal has a lot to offer. Here are five reasons YOU should be eating more of it . . .

#1.). YOU CAN SKIP THE PRODUCE AISLE. Well, maybe not completely. But whole-grain cereals are essentially plants. Which means they're filled with nutrients and compounds that fight cancer and other diseases.

#2.) YOU'LL DRINK MILK. Nobody ever drinks a glass of milk anymore, especially not with breakfast. But you will if you eat a bowl of cereal. And the milk in one bowl of cereal provides you with about one-third of your recommended daily allowance.

#3.) YOU'RE LESS LIKELY TO GAIN WEIGHT. When overweight people eat a low-calorie diet that includes whole-grain cereal, they lose more weight. One reason is that whole grains are high in fiber, and foods that are high in fiber make you feel full.

#4.) IT'S GOOD FOR YOUR HEART. One study found that for every serving of whole-grains you eat in a day, you lower your risk for heart failure by SEVEN PERCENT.

#5.) IT'S JUST AS GOOD FOR LUNCH OR DINNER. Just because it's called BREAKFAST CEREAL doesn't mean you can't enjoy it later in the day. Having a bowl of cereal for dinner every now and then is GOOD for you.

-Plus, there's no prep time, so it's great if you're running late or just feeling lazy. (Yahoo.com)

EYE OF THE STORM

WILD WEATHER!!

Storm chasers in Wyoming drove their truck through a tornado just to get this video.

(--They get inside the tornado right after 2:24.)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94qCoLdpRIQ(Search Terms: inside a tornado Goshen Wyoming video)

***OBAMA NONSENSE***

DOES THIS ANCIENT EGYPTIAN HIEROGLYPHIC RESEMBLE . . . PRESIDENT OBAMA???

Last Thursday, PRESIDENT OBAMA took a tour of the Great Pyramids in Egypt . . . after speaking in Cairo earlier in the day. At some point during his excursion, Obama found a hieroglyphic on a pyramid wall of a man's head with big ears . . . which kind of resembled him.

(--Take a look at Obama and this hieroglyphic. . .)

(--Check out a video of Obama joking about the hieroglyphic, around the 0:40 mark, here . . .) http://voices.washingtonpost.com/44/2009/06/04/obama_discovers_an_ancient_lik.html (Washington Post)

HOMELESS GRAD

A HOMELESS LADY IN NEW JERSEY JUST . . . GRADUATED COLLEGE???

If you've been putting off going to college because you don't think you can afford tuition . . . this story should inspire you! Friday, 50-year-old Toni Clark of Newark, New Jersey, graduated from Essex County College (--which is a public, two-year school) even though the entire time she was enrolled in school . . . Toni was HOMELESS. That's right . . . homeless.

Get this . . . In December of 2007, Toni was laid off from her job as a certified nursing assistant . . . and she couldn't afford to pay the rent on her apartment. So after she was evicted, Toni moved out on the streets and used her unemployment checks to cover the cost of meals . . . and her tuition.

Toni says, "I lost my apartment and my job, and I didn't want to stay with family, so I went on the street. But God put me right in school . . . It's been hard. But, you know, I was taking care of business and everything, I just didn't have a home. -"If I can do it homeless, anybody can do it who has a home."

Fortunately, Toni's finally off the streets and living with family. She hopes to get her bachelor's degree in education from a four-year school. (Star-Ledger)

(Check out some photos of Toni at her graduation . . .)

JUNGLE TROUBLE

DID NBC *TORTURE* SPENCER AND HEIDI PRATT ON THE SET OF "I'M A CELEBRITY . . . GET ME OUT OF HERE"???

We desperately wanted to IGNORE all of the insanity surrounding NBC's "I'm a Celebrity . . . Get Me Out of Here!" . . . but the situation has become so absurd over the past few days, that we're forced to bring it up.

Here's what you should know: "Hills" HEIDI PRATT was HOSPITALIZED in Costa Rica . . . (--where the show is being filmed) . . . after allegedly becoming violently ill while she and her husband, SPENCER, were being punished for quitting the show last week.

In order to return to the show, NBC had them spend a night in isolation . . . in a place called the "Lost Chamber." Spencer and Heidi had already been in there for an earlier challenge. That time, the room was filled with bugs, spiders and rodents.

This time, the room was cleared of all that, but the Pratts didn't know that. Instead, NBC played mind games with them, by doing things like: Using a fishing pole to drag an acorn across the floor, and using a small tube to blow air on their backs. The timetable is a little vague . . . but at some point Heidi reportedly became "ill", and was, "convulsively throwing up." She was rushed to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with a GASTRIC ULCER. She's since been released.

Spencer's sister, STEPHANIE PRATT, claims that they were, "locked in a dark room for three days with no food or water" . . . but other "sources" tell the site that they spent eight to 10 hours in the hole, WITH food and water. Obviously, you'll want to take ALL OF THIS with a grain of salt. There are a ton of conflicting reports going around the Internet . . . and it's in the best interest of everyone involved (except us) for this nonsense to get as much publicity as possible.

For example, some so-called "show insiders" say Heidi wasn't visibly sick OR vomiting . . . and she forced the show's medics to get her to the hospital. An NBC suit says Spencer ALSO had a freak out in the "Lost Chamber" . . . claiming that he'd somehow DISLOCATED HIS THUMB. One of the show's medics investigated, and found his thumb to be perfectly fine.

Anyway, here's the latest word: Spencer and Heidi want off the show for good . . . and Spencer is planning on SUING the show for TORTURING them. But NBC denies any wrongdoing . . . and says they have video proof. The show's producers say they had cameras on them non-stop . . . including infrared cameras in the dark. They also say they had medics on the scene the whole time.

The production company, ITV Studios, has issued a statement saying, "The health of the celebrity participants are of the utmost importance . . . allegations of the celebrities being deprived of food and water are completely untrue."