Honor Society at the Roxy Theater

Purple Melon, Painting Hollywood Purple

By Piya Sinha-Roy

 

Purple Melon (Creative Commons)

“Eric’s balls.”

“Pardon me?”

“Eric’s balls. That’s what our band name means.”

Purple Melon. That is the name being discussed on a warm sunny afternoon in a parking lot in Hollywood. A quick glance at the smug smile on the face of the owner of the above-mentioned balls that inspired the band name, indicates that this definition for the name ‘Purple Melon’ may indeed be true, although no explanation was offered regarding the choice of color.

The speaker, Owen Barry, a 27-year-old musician hailing from Essex, England, reclines on the ageing but surprisingly clean interior of the band’s decaled van. As well as being a nickname for Eric’s genitalia, Purple Melon is also a band, and presently, the four band members are congregated outside their white van by the iconic Swinghouse Studios, taking a break from rehearsing.

“Oh, I’ve had sex in here,” declares Eric Joyce, the youngest band member at 22. Hardly surprising seeing as he’s almost 6,000 miles away from home and his shaggy dark hair, Indian ethnicity and refusal to wear a shirt seems to entice the local girls.

Critic's Choice Awards Nominations

The nominations for the 2011 Critic's Choice Awards were announced today. ABC's Modern Family led the pack with the most nominations (a total of 6!), followed by five nominations for Mad Men. Don't worry Gleeks, Glee was nominated for two awards, including Best Comedy Series and Jane Lynch for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. The awards will air on ReelzChannel on June 22. Full nominations after the jump!


Did your favorite show get nominated?

Hot Spot: Emack & Bolio's

by Rosemary Vega

With hot summmer weather already taking over New York, what better way to cool down than with ice cream? Emack & Bolio's SoHo, known as ice cream for the connoisseur, has become my favorite go-to place for ice cream, smoothies, and coffee!
Emack &Bolio's opened in Boston in 1975. The store was named after two homeless men that the owners, who were lawyers, did pro bono work for. Each individual E&B store is slightly different, putting their own personal touch and creativity. The one thing they all have in common? Incredible, unique, ice cream. With flavors like Deep Purple Cow, Pumpkin, Mud Pie (Coffee ice cream with Oreo's and chocolate pieces!), the choices are endless.

MTV Movie Awards GBK Gifting Suite

By Frances Vega
 

AnnaLynne Mccord being interviewed (photo by Frances Vega)

The GBK MTV Movie Awards Gifting Lounge was held at the SLS Hotel in Beverly this weekend.

This invitation only lounge was open to various celebrities on Friday and Saturday. Nominees and presenters gathered for afternoons filled with unique gifts and entertainment.  This year’s suite had a vintage cinema theme. Guest entered through a garden decorated with black and white cabanas, mirrored tables, and comfy couches.

GBK Productions, one of the top gifting suite production companies and the recipient of multiple  BizBash Awards for “Best Gift Bag,” offered its exclusive list of invited celebrities, VIPs and media the opportunity to enjoy the fabulous L.A. weather with custom ice cream and free bar drinks.

Celebrities Unite For Diabetes Awareness And Prevention

By Frances Vega

Celebrities gathered at the K1 Speed Indoor Racing facility Saturday for a day full of snacks, racing, and awareness.  

Dorian Gregory, Steve-O, Verne Troyer, and Kyle Massey were just a few of the big names that attended the Celebrity Go Kart Tournament benefiting the American Diabetes Association.

The event, hosted by NFL Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson and Gary Sturgis from Tyler Perry’s Diary of A Mad Black Woman, was a celebration of family fitness and fun. Celebrities, nonprofit organizations, and everyday folks joined forces to give back to their communities. The race consisted of 16 celebrity led teams competing against each other for cash prizes. Each team consisted of a celebrity team captain and a handful of children, teens, and volunteers.  The winners used the cash prize to donate to the charity of their choice. 

Other activities at the event included a silent auction, catered food and beverages, personal accounts about diabetes, and a musical performance by R&B duo Mona Lisa. 

The personal accounts were the most touching parts of the day. People came up to the stage and talked about loved ones who have suffered from diabetes. Miss California International, Brittany Wagner, was especially open about her father who lost his sight and eventually died from complications with diabetes. 

Stars Gather At Satine For Drug Awareness Benefit

Danica Stewart and Ben Hogestyn at Artists Against Drugs Art Show (Photo by Rosemary Vega)

By Frances Vega

 Various up and coming celebrities and artists gathered at Satine Boutique Saturday to show support for the Say No To Drugs campaign.

The Artist Against Drugs Art Show is part of an annual "Say No To Drugs Race," put on by the nonprofit Say No To Drugs organization. The group tries to bring awareness to the harmful effects of drug abuse through education programs for the local community. Guests at the show had the opportunity to view and buy exclusive art pieces donated to the charity. Proceeds from the event went to local nonprofit, youth-oriented drug education and prevention organizations such as The Boys & Girls Club of East Valley, Drug Free World and Narconon.