The Reliable Source is back, under the stewardship of Amy Argetsinger and Roxanne Roberts . Appearing in the Style section on Tuesdays through Fridays and Sundays, The Reliable Source brings you gossip from across the region and around the world -- candid looks at the lives and loves and hijinks of all your favorite bold-faced names, be they congressmen or millionaires, ballplayers or newsbabes, nightlife divas or master thespians, DJs or gadflies, has-beens or will-bes.

Argetsinger and Roberts are online each Wednesday at Noon ET to discuss your favorite gossip, what you thought about their recent columns or who you want to see them writing about in future ones.

Reliable Source Columns

Argetsinger is a veteran of all leafy-green, protein-rich sections like Metro and National while Roberts brought you the champagne and bon-bons of Style's society beat.

A transcript follows.

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Amy Argetsinger: Good morning everyone... This week we learned that President Bush has a bit of a seesaw dieting issue (just like Oprah!), that David Gregory rocks madras shorts, that Eleanor Holmes Norton got the joke on Colbert, that Michael Brown is seething mad, that Condi Rice is one of the best-dressed women in the world, and that "America's Most Wanted" host John Walsh doesn't use crosswalks. We hung out with Wizard poet Etan Thomas, tried to stalk the American Idol contestants in the Oval Office, discovered yet another Michael Moore controversy, and wondered what the hell is going on with Mel. What do you think? We await your questions.

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District of California: Why does everyone care about Mel Gibson so much? I am absolutely against his actions (DWI and racial comments) but honestly, I couldn't care less. A politician is one thing, but a celebrity who is past his prime is another.

Amy Argetsinger: Two reasons people care so much: One, because he's not just any Hollywood figure, he's a brand-name superstar who transformed himself into a director/producer and singlehandedly financed what turned out to be (something like) the 10th biggest grossing movie of all time, one that generated a lot of controversy in its own right...

And two, because it's the middle of summer, and it's one of the few things going on in the U.S. that can distract us from war and global warming.

I'm afraid you're going to find yourself in the minority today -- we've got LOTS of chatters wanting to talk about this...

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Anonymous: Could the fact that Mel Gibson took over two years to write a single page for Disney on his Holocaust mini-series be because he couldn't find any solid proof that the Holocaust even existed?

Amy Argetsinger: Indeed, ABC has pulled the plug on a Holocaust miniseries Gibson was supposed to be doing for the network. Parent company Disney wouldn't say if this had anything to do with his anti-Semitic comments. Instead, said a spokeswoman: "

"Given that it's been nearly two years and we have yet to see the first draft of a script, we have decided to no longer pursue this project..."

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Ann Arbor, Mich.: So how much $$$ will Mel have to donate to the ADL to "rehabilitate" himself? Do you find it funny that people were saying his career was over? Are they crazy? Celebrities are allowed to do anything they want. Mike Tyson is a convicted rapist and still has millions of fans.

Amy Argetsinger: This has been the big debate in Hollywood -- is Mel Gibson ruined forever, or is his proven box-office track record enough to earn everyone's forgiveness?

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Wheaton, Md.: My doctor thinks Mel Gibson is bipolar.

Roxanne Roberts: As opposed to just a mean drunk? Tricky call from afar.

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Long Beach, Calif.: I was curious how you two ladies are coping with the world unraveling while you are attempting to provide light entertainment for us? Does your job get harder, or do you feel as though it's more important than ever to have diversion from the harshness of reality? THANKS and good luck!

Roxanne Roberts: Very existential of you, Long Beach. Two givens:

1) The world is always unraveling, sometimes faster than others, and provides no end of uncertainty and despair for thoughtful observers. This has been true since the beginning of time and probably to the end.

2) Human beings will gossip, laugh, behave foolishly, gossip and laugh at those behaving foolishly, and otherwise proceed with the banalities of life in the midst of the above.

Now I'm sounding like Woody Allen. Gossip is always a hard job when it's done right, but not as hard as Condoleezza Rice's---except for the best-dressed part.

And you're welcome.

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Tennis Men in D.C.: Where have they been, other than Lucky Strike? Where are they staying? This is a far more important question than the future of Mel Gibson's career.

Amy Argetsinger: Ah, you're referring to the sighting of Legg Mason Classic players James Blake and Mardy Fish at Lucky Strike on Monday, along with Bob and Mike Bryan....

First, let me apologize for the fact that our editors negligently failed to include in our column a picture of James Blake, who ranks very high on the list of Insanely Hot Athletes in Sports I Don't Actually Watch Much, second only, perhaps to my new boyfriend Zinedine Zidane.

Meanwhile, we can tell you that Blake and Fish also had lunch at Cafe Deluxe on Wisconsin Avenue on Sunday with Channel 9 sports guy Brett Haber. Alas, if we knew where they were staying, we wouldn't be able to say, what with stalkers like you out there...

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Winchester, Va.: So, you're probably inundated with Mel Gibson questions but anyway ... Okay, his father is known to be a Holocaust "denyer" so it is likely he was raised in an atmosphere not kind to Jews. But really, how damaging are drunken raving comments? And who has it out for Mel Gibson that they would release a police report to a Web site? I mean, I have problems with his views on women and his ultra-conservative Catholicism take on many things but a drunk guy is a drunk guy. I'm more concerned that it appears he's been stopped before in the recent past and nothing was done.

Amy Argetsinger: Yeah, but... There's some thinking that (a) he wasn't *that* drunk and (b) it's not like a couple of drinks turn us into completely different people who suddenly spout views we don't really have. Also, I'm not sure that we know there have been other traffic stops in which nothing was done, other than an arrest 20 years ago... But if you've seen credible news accounts that suggest otherwise, point me in that direction -- there's so much coming out now it's hard to keep up...

Roxanne Roberts: I'd argue that no one "has it out" for Mel---in fact, some folks were outraged by reports that the police intially withheld the rant to prevent further embarrasment to Gibson. There are also conflicting reports that he was pulled over a couple times in the recent past and sent home without any arrest---typical Hollywood star treatment. All these factors add up to one hell of a story that pushes all sorts of buttons. I suspect it's not going away any time soon.

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Kensington, Md.: I saw Ned Lamont on "The Colbert Report" last night. I'm no Joe fan, but this guy seemed a little too scripted, even for a pol. Is his future in the Senate or cable news?

Amy Argetsinger: Why don't you check out our colleague David Segal's story on Lamont in today's Style section? Link to follow...

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washingtonpost.com: True Blue, Or Too Blue? ( Post, August 2 )

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New York, N.Y.: It's so funny that they say Mel's career is over. My question is why should he care? He's worth like a half a billion dollars; he can do what he wants.

Amy Argetsinger: Yeah, but for a lot of Hollywood types, it's not just about the money. It's about maintaining the ego through a a never-ending spotlight and stream of adulation. Also, sharing their creative energies and important thoughts with the world, blah blah blah...

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Washington, D.C.: Any scoop on the gorgeous Christopher Jones, one of the "models" on the Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency? He's from Falls Church!

Amy Argetsinger: Is that show still on? Is he still on it? Frankly, there are so many reality shows on these days that we have to keep the bar kind of high before we spotlight the locals who appear on them. But if he's closing in on the finals, hey, we'll check it out... thanks!

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New York, New York: If Gibson had used the "N" word(or 15 other disparaging terms for 15 other ethnics) only a few people would have cared, and this story would have died. The fact that he made anti-semitic remarks in a industry that most of the top execs are jewish is the only reason this story is on the front pages of newspapers.

Roxanne Roberts: I disagree. But Mel's anti-Semitic remarks threw gasoline on the smouldering controversary surrounding "Passion of the Christ" and how he depicted Jews in the film, and was therefore an even bigger story.

Amy Argetsinger: I see what you're saying... but do you REALLY think no one would have cared it if had used the N-word? Or any other ethnic slur? I can't see that not being a story...

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Upper Marlboro, Md.: Okay what is the real story about what happened with Elizabeth on the view this morning? She had some kind of melt-down?

Roxanne Roberts: I was stuck behind my computer. Chatters? Anyone see the "View" today and want to share?

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Wolfeboro, N.H. (usually, D.C.): I know, I know, that Mel, but I am more interested in the shape up or ship out letter Lindsey Lohan got from the CEO of Morgan Creek. Is this an unusually public smackdown? And has her behavior improved? B shot for dehydration indeed!

Amy Argetsinger: Yes, it is pretty unusual... Since then, her mom rushed forward to defend LiLo (on "Access Hollywood," natch), saying he shouldn't treat a young girl that way... and in the meantime, Lindsey's been keeping a low partying profile...

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Not Wheaton, but ... : Being bipolar and a mean drunk aren't mutally exclusive ... just sayin'.

Roxanne Roberts: Fair nuf. Suffice to say Mel "has issues."

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Gossip focus group: Is there any type of online focus group I can participate in to send a message that reading about "poor" Tori Spelling makes me madder than a wet hen? Give me some light fluffy gossip any day of the week, such as La Lohan's poor work ethic, etc., but hearing about poor Tori and her (lack of) inheritance makes me furious. Not sure why, but I just want her out of my gossip mags.

Amy Argetsinger: I'm with you! The problem seems to be that La Tori is trying to wage some kind of public-relations campaign in order to leverage more money out of her dad's estate... and the gossip mags are happily lapping up every detail she drops to them...

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Washington, D.C.: So have you watched Tabloid Wars? Monday's episode had clips with Lloyd Grove.

Amy Argetsinger: No, I haven't seen any of it! Need to get my hands on a screener copy. I hear it's pretty great.

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Anonymous: Amy and Roxanne:

What is your take on Anna Wintour post-Devil Wears Prada?

Amy Argetsinger: Haven't seen it yet but I'm eager to. But wait a minute -- that movie's not about Anna Wintour! Meryl Streep claims it's an absolutely fictional character -- I mean, they have totally different hair and everything!

Roxanne Roberts: Been there. worn that. Movie is vastly superior to the book, thanks to La Streep. Anna was legendary before the book came out, which is part of the whole editorix fashion resume, I think. The stories are so outrageous that I gotta figure only half are true.

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Anonymous: What can D.C. do to attact more VIPs? Seems like we only get athletes ... I'd like to see LindsLo hit up the D.C. clubs!

Roxanne Roberts: If LiLo gets cast in another movie, and if it shoots in Washington, and IF she fails to mature in any significant way....we're SO ready.

Amy Argetsinger: Even then, the clubs will have to up the ante with free Moet and designer jeans. That's what it takes to bring in the stars...

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Anonymous: Any words of wisdom for Richard Johnson?

Amy Argetsinger: You mean, regarding his drunk-driving case? Or his inclusion on Vanity Fair's International Best-Dressed List? Or the Jared Paul Stern scandal? It's been kind of an up-and-down summer for Mr. Johnson. But since he could probably buy and sell us several times over... No, I don't think we have any words of wisdom for him.

Roxanne Roberts: Since he just got married, I'd say:

Bring your bride coffee in bed and iron your own shirts. Good luck.

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Washington, D.C.: I want to see Jenna Bush partying out in D.C.Where should I go to try and get a chance encounter?

Amy Argetsinger: Sorry -- she doesn't party like she used to. And if you missed the news, she's leaving town soon -- heading somewhere cross the border to teach (link to follow). Smith Point and Town Hall used to be her places, but I haven't heard of a sighting there in ages...

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Re: Legg Mason Hotel: Since the Key Bridge Marriott is one of the sponsors, my guess is many players would be staying there.

Amy Argetsinger: Here you go, stalkers, but we have nothing to confirm this... I'm sure the Key Bridge Marriott wouldn't mind you running up cocktail bills in their lounge while you try to find out...

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Anonymous: I think Mel has just become the new Tom Cruise.

Amy Argetsinger: Interesting...

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And now for something completely different: On the radio this morning I heard a sound bite from Tony Snow's press conference about Castro. When Snow cautioned against "questions that are premised on the death of somebody who is not dead," he said something about getting into Monty Python territory. This was not only funny but probably completely confusing to most of America. What's next -- a chorus line of cabinet members singing "I'm a Lumberjack and I'm Okay?"

Amy Argetsinger: Castro: "I'm not dead yet!!!"

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washingtonpost.com: Teacher Twin Ready for Takeoff ( Post, July 29 )

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Tony Snow the musician: Have you seen the YouTube clip of Tony Snow playing jazz/blues flute? The man has talent! Any chance of a Tony/Condi duet some time?

washingtonpost.com: Tony Snow Plays the Blues ( YouTube )

Amy Argetsinger: Will check it out soon -- here it is for your viewing enjoyment...

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Washington, D.C.: Colbert/Holmes: What Happened?

Roxanne Roberts: We think Eleanor kicked Colbert's butt. Check out Sunday's column, where we published the highlights. The entire exchange is floating on (what else) YouTube.

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Helena, Mont.: As promised, I was in fact back in D.C. last week and was able to be sighted by all at the Dubliner. I hope everyone noticed me.

Amy Argetsinger: That was you under the table, right?

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washingtonpost.com: She Says Tomayto, He Says Tomahto . . . ( Post, July 30 )

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Amsterdam, The Netherlands: Hey, I am an ex-D.C. native who loves your column. I read it online everday.

I am wondering what Barbara Bush is up to these days? I know she moved to NYC. What kind of a job is she doing there?

Amy Argetsinger: Hey, thanks, Amsterdam! Barbara Bush got a job in the educational programming division of the Cooper-Hewitt Museum.

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Prince George's County, Md.: Any more dish on David Gregory's legs? I'd love to see that man in anything less than the suit and tie he is usually spotted in.

Amy Argetsinger: Huh. Duly noted. We'll let you know once we know more about his legs.

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I'm still laughing: I love that LiLo's mom thinks that Lindsey will win an Oscar for her performance in that movie she's filming! Yeah, right after Tara Reid!

Amy Argetsinger: Aw, that's what moms are for!

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Washington, D.C.: "I'd like to see LindsLo hit up the D.C. clubs!"

As her mother pointed out, she's only 19. So if she's hitting the DC clubs and drinking, she'd better spend some time down at the city slammer.

Amy Argetsinger: Exactly! So any of these reports of Lindsey Lohan hanging out in Los Angeles clubs must be completely erroneous.

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Anonymous: So the Bush twins are boring- any sons/daughters of Senators out there that are fun to party with?

Amy Argetsinger: Seems like every day Wonkette is linking to the wacky myspace pages of various congressional kids -- they all look like way too much fun.

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Not about Mel, specifically, but...: All of these celebs and the drunk driving ... don't they have the money for a cab? Or, in the case of REALLY big stars, a personal driver?

Amy Argetsinger: No one takes cabs in L.A. Good point, though, about chauffeurs.

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Washington, D.C.: Mel: according to the report I read on TMZ.com, Mel made some curious homophobic remarks as well.Why are they not getting any press attention? He has apologized (for what it's worth) for his anti-Semetic comments but for nothing else.

Roxanne Roberts: Not sure what you're citing: There's no reference to homophobic remarks in any report we've seen. Perhaps you misread TMZ? (Gibson did, however, call a female officer "sugar tits.")

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San Francisco, Calif.: Hey, ladies -- we in the boondocks rely on you for DeeCee gossip, for which you have primary sources. People who are asking you about Mel Gibson should ask TMZ.com.

My question's about the Lamont challenge to Lieberman as well -- any fun party sightings inside the Beltway of those on opposite sides of this race, like Maxine Waters and Bill Clinton? I'm just wondering if you have anything to actually, you know, report ...

Amy Argetsinger: Fun party sightings of Maxine Waters and Bill Clinton? Obviously, we need to try harder...

Roxanne Roberts: Bill and Joe on the town together? Not that we heard of. We are always eager to hear of any Boys-Gone-Wild reports from the campaign trail...

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Bethesda, Md.: Colbert and Holmes was the funniest thing I ever saw; I never laughed so hard.

I still don't know if she was joking or not. But Colbert really didn't know what he was getting himself into.

washingtonpost.com: Colbert Interviews Eleanor Holmes Norton ( YouTube )

Roxanne Roberts: Let that be a lesson to all those politicians who get invited on his show.

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Anonymous: Favorite piece of gossip ever?

Amy Argetsinger: Alas, the top three or four on my list are ones that couldn't be confirmed, and couldn't be printed...

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Anonymous: In LA, it would be a 24hour limo, I think the minimum is 250 bucks.

Roxanne Roberts: If only Mel had sprung for a limo....

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Amy Argetsinger: Someone here was asking about our beloved predecessor Rich Leiby, right? Can't find the question right now. Leiby is an editor these days -- pulling strings, yanking reporters around by a chain, holding all the power behind the scenes -- but I expect he'll return to writing sooner or later... his specialty is those juicy 3,000-word investigative pieces that dwarf this little column of ours...

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Anonymous: Everyone always talks about Condi's famed boots but no one talks about who made them! Any information there? Or, who are Condi's favorite designers?

Roxanne Roberts: Good point. The infamous boots got worldwide attention but no mention of the maker. We'll dig around and report back. She's not wedded to one style or designers, although she has turned to Oscar de la Renta for gowns for than once.

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Washington, D.C.: Lindsay Lohan is actually 20. Her MOM got her age wrong in her defense. Not a good sign.

Roxanne Roberts: Whoops. LiLo turned 20 on July 2---but who's counting? Moms are typically the last person to forget the birthday, but then, it's been a rough year in the Lohan home.

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Anonymous: Is it fair to say that within Aussie custom, Mel DOES NOT having a drinking problem? Also, can we find out what the size of the tequila bottle was? If it was only a pint, then MEL most certainly does not have a problem, from the Aussie perspective!

Roxanne Roberts: Too bad he wasn't speeding Down Under. Bad luck, mate!

Enough----I'm exhausted thinking about the all the Mel Gossip yet to be revealed. If you have a nugget, write us at reliablesource@washpost.com. Otherwise, meet you back here next week. Stay cool and drink lots of....WATER.

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