Interview with The Maine 11/18/10

by Rosemary Vega


We sat down with The Maine's John O'Callaghan and Garrett Nickelsen for a short interview before their performance at Best Buy Theater in New York City for the Harmony tour. Check out the video under the cut to find out about their guilty pleasures, covering songs, and more.

Movie Junkies Galore at the Globe Theater

DeLorean Time Machine replica (Photo by Makena Hudson)

By Frances Vega

Willy Wonka’s last Golden Ticket was handed out nearly 40 years ago, yet somehow the ticket ended up in new hands.

On Nov. 6, Profiles in History made the original Golden Ticket from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory available to the public for the first time in years.

The ticket was part of an auction the company threw at the Globe Theater at Universal Studios to benefit Variety--The Children’s Charity of Southern California.

Rock The Vote Hosts Election Party In Santa Ana

Rock the Vote (Frances Vega)

By Frances Vega

Rock the Vote went down to Orange County on Tuesday to help all the locals celebrate on election night.

People from all parties were invited to Original Mike's in Santa Ana to listen to music and watch the returns as they came in.

Attendees enjoyed free food, drink specials, and live music throughout the night to help them wind down after a long day of campaigning and rallying people to vote.

Major political figures from all parties invited to the event.  Loretta Sanchez (rep.), Miguel Pulido (Mayor, City of Santa Ana), John Hanna (Trustee, Rancho Santiago College District), and John Karczynski-Ferguson (Former Chair of Log Cabin Republicans) were all confirmed to attend.
The mood was mellow at Original Mike's.

Rastafarians Asked To Make Exception For Prop 19

Members of the community gather for a service.

By Frances Vega and Daniel Watson

He looms over his church — 6-foot-8, swaying between members with fiery eyes and a booming voice.

“They say, do NOT talk about politics and do NOT talk about religion,” hepreaches. “Well tonight, I’m breaking some rules.”

Smoke rises up from a select few in his congregation. The reggae band waits patiently behind the pulpit.

Today, just days before the 2010 Midterm Elections, King Oji — priest of The First Church of Rasta — is commanding his Rastafarian congregation to take heed to a different sort of message.

Taylor Swift Thanksgiving Special Tapings

HTS went to the two-day taping for Taylor Swift's Thanksgiving Special "Speak Now" which will air on Thanksgiving (November 25) on NBC.

On Monday, Taylor Swift was surprised to see fans surrounding her piano and strings section in the middle of central park. She came out jumping up and down, saying "Wow," a countless amount of times. She sat down on the piano and told the audience of about 250, "I'm sorta losing my mind right now." She had no idea anyone would be there to celebrate the release of her album.

'Happy Days' are Here Again

Cast of "Happy Days"

By Frances Vega

What better way to spend a Friday night than bobbing your head to the musical adaptation of a classic television show?

There is no better way. Friday marked the premiere of "Happy Days," a new musical at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. The production is based on the hit television series featuring one of America’s most beloved families, the Cunninghams. The whole gang makes an appearance in the show — Richie, Potsie, Ralph Malph, Joanie, Chachi and, of course, “The Fonz."

Meeting the President's Supporters

Catching some Zzz's before the rally

By Frances Vega    

People from all walks of life came to the University of Southern California on Friday for the chance to see President Barack Obama in the flesh.

     The commander in chief made a special visit to the campus to try to energize the Democratic Party. He was rallying supporters to get out to vote for the midterm elections. School officials originally estimated a turn out of 30,000 people, but by the looks of it there were many more than expected. The center of the campus was completely closed off to the public and security was preventing students from going where they needed to be. Even when there wasn’t a police officer waiting to tell a student he or she could not pass, a make shift fence and caution tape was able to do the trick.

Fun. at the Brooklyn Bell House

by Rosemary Vega

Fun. played a secret show at the Brooklyn Bell House on September 30 for fan club members. Band members Nate Reuss (formerly of the Format), Jack Antonoff (also part of Steel Train, who opened the show) and Andrew Dost (formerly of Anathallo), released their first album Aim and Ignite in August 2009, with music varying from folk, to pop, to emo, to rock. The mix of genres lead to a show filled of fun. (Pun intended.)

After opening from Jarrod Gorbel and Steel Train, Fun. opened with their latest single "Walking the Dog" (video here).  Next, they played one of my personal favorites "I Wanna Be the One," followed by "Light a Roman Candle with Me." The crowd then went crazy for the band's previous single "All the Pretty Girls" (video). As the set continued, the bands energy, as well as the crowd's continued to elevate with songs "Stitch Me Up," and "Barlights."

HBO Explores The L.A. Speakeasy

by Frances Vega 

  HBO kicked off the first night of its Boardwalk Empire promotion on Tuesday with free drinks and goodies for customers.

Boardwalk Empire promotion (Frances Vega)

    From 7-9 P.M. every person who walked into the Varnish in downtown Los Angeles received a free drink, salt-water taffy, and the really lucky ones also got a flask. The promotional staff only had five flasks to give out so they were eyeing customers to see who was really enthusiastic about the experience. The flask itself was a plain tin flask with “Boardwalk Empire” engraved on the front.

McCoy Tyner: Jazz Legend Plays At The Catalina Bar And Grill

by Frances Vega 

  Jazz legend McCoy Tyner played five shows from Sept. 29 through Oct. 3 at the Catalina Bar and Grill.

  Audiences could not get enough of Tyner’s upbeat melodies. Some were so moved by the music they joined in on the songs.

McCoy Tyner at the Catalina

    The 71-year-old NEA Jazz Master shared the stage with veteran saxophonist Gary Bartz, bassist Gerald Cannon, and drummer Eric Kamau Gravatt.

    Tyner has a reputation for allowing younger musicians the opportunity to show off their skills—this show was no different.

How about some Boobs and Blood

 By Frances Vega

Outside the New Beverly Cinema at the first Boobs and Blood International Film Festival

   
        If you have ever wondered where you can find a place that provides both nudity and gore, then look no further than the Boobs and Blood International Film Festival.
   
        For the first time ever admirers of grindhouse cinema, lesbian vampire flicks and Japanese pink films had a place to celebrate all things weird and outrageous. Fans gathered at the New Beverly Cinema in Hollywood over the weekend to watch special screenings of their favorite B-movie.
   

Selena Gomez on MTV's The Seven

by Rosemary Vega

I was invited to attend a special acoustic performance by Selena Gomez for MTV's The Seven today (09/24) in New York City. Unfortunately, no cameras were allowed, so you guys will have to wait until the air date to see it. But, Selena definitely surprised me. I had heard her singles from her new cd "A Year Without Rain," and although I think they're catchy, I wasn't expecting much from her. But I was very impressed.

Selena only sang two songs; "A Year Without Rain" and "Round and Round," but she sounded great. The stripped, acoustic versions of the songs sounded just as good as the originals, if not better. In between the takes, she sang Pixie Lott's "Mama Do," and told everyone how big of a fan she is. (Not sure if they'll use that for the show!) Four fans got to ask questions, where she revealed she's a huge Cheryl Cole fan. She also said "Rock God," was her favorite song off her new album. Selena was extremely sweet to the fans there, thanked everyone for showing up so early, and made sure to take pictures with everyone who waited to meet her.

'Undercovers' delivers pretty cover but no story

By Frances Vega  

          J.J. Abrams newest series “Undercovers,” debuted its pilot episode on NBC Wednesday.

Courtesy of NBC

        The show stars Boris Kodjoe and Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Steven and Samantha Bloom, two CIA spies who leave the agency after getting married. They open up a catering company and five years after retiring their marriage becomes stale. Then someone from the CIA pays them a visit and next thing you know they are back on duty for a special case. Within minutes of starting the assignment the Blooms remember how exciting the CIA was and the adrenaline makes them feel sexy again. It’s kind of like TV’s version of “Mr. and Mrs. Smith.” Except I never really got into that movie and this show wasn’t any different.

        There’s a point in the show where Mbatha-Raw must seduce a target. Before going in she makes up a nifty new spy term. “Sex-pionage always works,” she says. …No it doesn’t Gugu, no it doesn’t. Just because you’re both attractive does not mean the show is automatically interesting. There didn’t seem to be a real plot to the show, beyond good looking people kick some ass.

        I don’t know what it is about action shows this season, but casting hot people does not mean the rest of the job is over. It was especially upsetting to see that the show was produced by someone who usually does a great job with television. Abrams was responsible for popular shows like Felicity, Alias, and Lost.

        I’ll admit that some of the comic relief was pretty witty, but not enough to keep me watching. My guess is, if you like action and don’t feel like thinking much (if at all), you might like this show.

Wicked on Broadway

by Rosemary Vega

For those unfamiliar with the story of Wicked, it answers the question "Are people born wicked?" Through the story of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West from Wizard of Oz, and her relationship with Galinda, Glinda as we know her now, we learn that in this case Elphaba was not born wicked. Their surprising friendship tells the backstory of their "rivalry" in Wizard of Oz.

"Life Unexpected" Premiere Has Unexpected Twists

Photo courtesy of the CW

By Frances Vega

"Life Unexpected" came back for its second season on Tuesday, with new characters and more plot twists.

The CW’s newest family drama gained a decent following earlier this year and the network is doing everything it can to make sure viewers stay interested.

Last season ended with Cate (Shiri Appleby and Ryan (Kerr Smith) getting married and Baze (Kristoffer Polaha) busting in on the ceremony with hopes of breaking it up. Baze didn’t make in time to stop the vows and Cat, Lux (Brittany Robertson), and Ryan are now one big happy family. At least they seemed happy--for about five minutes.

Fashion's Night Out on Robertson blvd

  The second annual Fashion’s Night Out came back to Los Angeles on Friday bigger and better than the last.

Photo by Frances Vega

        Vogue editor Anna Wintour created Fashion’s Night Out with hopes of getting people to spend more money shopping during hard economic times. There were parties in many major retailers across the world. This year’s FNO was sponsored by the city of L.A. for the first time, making it the first official FNO in the county. That meant more retailers, bigger parties, celebrities, fashion designers, models, and all sorts of other goodies to entice people through their doors.

Will Ferrell, Adam McKay Talk About "The Virginity Hit"

Videos courtesy of Neon Tommy senior entertainment editor Piya Sinha-Roy. Video taken by Frances Vega

New Nikita series fails to engage

Photo courtesy of Ben Mark Holzberg/The CW

By Frances Vega       

      The CW’s new show Nikita made its series debut on Thursday, with a lot to live up to.

        Though many of the CW’s target audiences are too young to remember the older versions of “Nikita,” the basic premise of this show has been done a few times before. The first version was the French film “La Femme Nikita” (1990), the next was the American remake ”Point of No Return” (1993), and the third was a TV series called “La Femme Nikita” which ran from 1997-2001.

The Virginity Hit breaks the mold

Cast picture taken by Frances Vega

By Frances Vega   

     The Virginity Hit, the title immediately makes you think of clichéd teen movies and raunchy behavior.

      I knew what this movie was about before I even checked the plot summary, at least that’s what I thought. I had flashbacks to movies like American Pie, Sex Drive, and Fast Times at Ridgemont High. What could this movie possibly have to offer that I had not seen a thousand times?

USC restaurant off to a good start

By Frances Vega
Photos by Frances Vega

          Most University of Southern California students are not aware of it yet, but the school just opened the only table-service restaurant on campus, Moreton Fig.

        It’s only been open for a week but it already has the potential to become a great place to eat. The restaurant itself looks like a five star restaurant. The bar has its own lounge area equip with couches, marble counters, and friendly bartenders. Despite its expensive look, the restaurant is not insanely overpriced. The priciest dish on the menu is a flat iron steak for $19.50; steak connoisseurs know this is a fairly decent price. I was in the mood to spend money so I went ahead and ordered it. The presentation was very impressive and the steak had a great flavor. Diners be warned though, the duck fat fries it came with were not my favorite. The steak is served with a side of six thickly cut French fries that are slowly fried in duck fat. They’re weren’t terrible, but they don’t taste like traditional fries either.

Modern Family and Breaking Bad Sweep the Emmys

By Tom Dotan

Originally published on Neon Tommy


Change finally worked its way into the Emmys last night; unfortunately the Emmys does change like it does pacing: slow, uneven, and somewhat haphazard.

In the big categories, ABC’s "Modern Family" took home the Emmy for Best Comedy, ending "30 Rock’s" three-year reign.  AMC’s "Mad Men" held steady for Best Drama, and can now claim itself as a three-peat winner.

Iron crosses, God and Guns... Lynyrd Skynyrd is in town

By Benjamin Gottlieb
Photos by Benjamin Gottlieb

 
  
    Towering red, iron crosses peering over a sea of Confederate flags can only mean one thing in Los Angeles – Lynyrd Skynyrd is in town.

       Overwhelming the near-capacity crowd with a heavy dosage of dueling guitar solos and patriotic decrees, the gatekeepers of Southern Rock reminded everyone Thursday night that they still have what it takes to rock a concert hall. Showcasing their latest studio album, “God & Guns”, the two-hour-long performance featured renditions of the Skynyrd staples, including a six and a half-minute version of “Sweet Home Alabama” and a crowd-encouraged cry for “Freebird."

The Maine gives feel good performance at H.O.B.

By Frances Vega
Photo by Rosemary Vega

     The Maine's most recent California concert at the House of Blues on Sunset Strip was quite electrifying.
      I am by no means an avid listener of their music, yet somehow this was my second time seeing the Maine live. Their last show at the Echoplex in Los Angeles was very forgettable, despite the lead singer's quirky sense of humor. At the time I had no plans of running out to buy their CD, but as of this week I am a changed woman.

      Maybe it was the nicer venue, maybe it was John O's attempt at crowd-surfing, or maybe my younger sister has just played her iPod around me one too many times? I can't pinpoint the exact element that changed things for me, but I do know I will be probably have "Fuel to the Fire" stuck in my head for the next week or so.

Super Secret Movie Project

HTS on set of a super secret movie currently in production. Look out for the lead in future projects. We think he might make it big. 

Let us know if you know who this is or what movie set we're on. 


A $20 gift card will be awarded to the first person to guess the answer.

ABC correspondent to represent Oksana Grigorieva

Photo taken from Above the Law 

Oksana Grigorieva has hired former Assistant United States Attorney and ABC News correspondent, Mary Fulginiti to represent her in her legal battle with Mel Gibson. 

 Fulginiti  is a former federal prosecutor and defense lawyer. She also covered a number of stories involving domestic abuse for ABC's "20/20." Fulginiti  is representing Oksana with the domestic violence investigation against Mel and the extortion investigation targeting Oksana.

According to TMZ, Fulginiti is partnering with attorney James Spertus on the case. Both Spertus and Fulginiti worked together in the U.S. Attorney's office in L.A. 


TMZ also reported that Fulginiti and Spertus will be brought in to help Oksana in the family law case.


In addition to practicing law and working for ABC, Fulginiti has been a gues on many talk shows, including "Larry King Live."

Taylor Swift's single, Mine.

Taylor Swift's new single "Mine" from her upcoming album has just hit the internet. You can check it out over at Perez Hilton, or buy it on iTunes here.

No New Britney, Yet.

Rumors have been going around recently saying that Britney Spears will be releasing new music within the next few weeks. But, one of her managers Adam Leber set the record straight on his twitter saying

"No new music news right now...Wish people wouldn't mislead you guys with BS info. Not cool! PS- the guys that ARE working on Brit's next album ARE NOT talking about it..."

Are you excited to hear new Britney music?

Remember This Mullet?

Remember the kid with the mullet that got cut from American Idol way too early last season? Alex Lambert, who probably could have won the entire competition, isn't letting his dismissal from the show get in the way of this dream. After getting voted off, a petition appeared online to get him back on the show. Although Alex didn't get back on American Idol, he joined the cast of If I Can Dream, an online show which follows 5 people in their process to make their dreams reality (in acting, modeling, and music).

Alex just released a music video for his song, "I Didn't Know." Check it out under the cut.

Charlie St. Cloud Premiere

Hollywood Times Square was at the Charlie St. Cloud premiere yesterday (July 20).

Check out our exclusive photos here.

Also check out our video of Zac Efron meeting some excited fans before he hit the red carpet under the cut.

Taylor Swift New Album

In a live chat yesterday (July 20), Taylor Swift announced that she would be releasing a new album, Speak Now, on October 25. Her first single will be called "Mine" and Taylor says the song is about "my tendency to run from love." The album will feature 14 tracks, all written by only Taylor, and will also include a song called "Sparks Fly" that she has played on her Fearless Tour.

Inception Debuts at Number One

Christopher Nolan's new movie Inception, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, debuted at number making over $62 million in it's first weekend at the box office. Despicable Me came in second this weekend, grossing over $118 million since it's debut. Toy Story 3 fell down to number 5, but has made an astonishing $363 million since June 18.

Plain White T's video films in Malibu

    Pop Rock band, the Plain White T's shot the video for their new single "Rhythm of Love," in Malibu yesterday.

  The shoot took place in a secluded area near Pt. Magu State Park. Not many passersby knew a video was being filmed, though park police were on hand just in case. The video will have a 1950s beach party theme which is appropriate considering how sweet the song is.

   Though dancing and singing on the beach sounds like loads of fun, band members Tom Higgenson, Tim Lopez, De'Mar Hamilton, Mike Retondo, and Dave Tirio had a very exhausting day. The shoot went for nearly 12 hours (that's only by HTS accounts, we left before the band did). Sodas, coffee, red bulls, and "work soda"--or beer as most people call it-- were on hand at all times to help keep the energy going.
   
 "Rhythm of Love," is the first single off their up-coming CD "the Wonders of the Younger," which is scheduled to release in the fall of 2010.

More pictures on our photo page

The Maine Myspace Secret Show

By Rosemary Vega



Yesterday The Maine released their new cd, "Black and White" and streamed live for 24 hours in celebration of the release. To conclude their day, The Maine finished with a Myspace Secret Show at the Echoplex in Los Angeles.

They pay you for this

    You ever watch a random game show when there's nothing else on TV? Ever wonder how they get so many excited people to cheer on complete strangers? Well those people in the background are always smiling because they are getting paid.

      Almost every live audience TV show pays its audience members anywhere between $8-10 dollars an hour per taping. Popular shows, however usually do not need to entice people with money, so don't expect to get paid to watch "American Idol." But, if you don't mind watching eight hours of a show you've never heard of, then you definitely can get paid. This picture of T.I. was taken at a taping of "the Nightlife," a new dance show on Teen Nick that is very similar to Soul Train.

    Interested in watching live TV over the summer? Sign up for LA Casting, make a profile, and submit for audience works. It certainly beats working at Coldstone to make summer cash.

Lindsay's new girlfriend

    Rumors are circulating that Lindsay Lohan has a new lady in her life. TMZ reported that Lohan has been dating Eilat Anschel for about a month. The two were spotted in public together last week; heading to Teddy's where the actress' ex Samantha Ronson was DJing. Interesting.

  According to TMZ, Anschel was born in Israel, where she served a two year mandatory stint in the military before coming to the states. The gals reportedly met in LA a while back, and things have progressed since then, and sources say Eilat has been a great support for Lindsay through her SCRAM bracelet ordeal. Sources say Lindsay is pretty smitten with her new gal, however, "it's not the healthiest relationship in the world."

Judy Blume Grandson arrested

      Author Judy Blume's 18-year-old grandson is out on bail after allegedly raping a girl on Martha's Vineyard earlier this week.

     Tisbury police charged Elliot Blume-Pickle, 18, of Cambridge with assault and battery and rape by force. He pleaded not guilty at Edgartown District Court on Tuesday and was released on $5,000 bail.

      According to police, the rape occured June 25 during a party at Judy Blume’s summer home. According to the Boston Herald, an unnamed adult relative of Elliot’s was in the house but police don’t believe the adult made contact with the kids.

“At one point, the defendant was alone in one section of the house with the victim,” Tisbury police detective Mark Santon told the Martha’s Vineyard Times . “The other teenagers had gone to get some food. He lifted the girl, carried her to the bedroom, and forced her on the bed.”

Blume-Pickle was arrested shortly after the victim reported the assault to her mother and taken to the hospital. 

     Elliot was the inspiration for some of his grandmother’s stories, who wrote books such as "Are you there God it's me Margaret?" and "Forever."  Blume-Pickle is the son of Blume’s daughter, Randy Lee Blume, a social worker and former commercial pilot.

Orange County's dance gem

by Frances Vega

   picture taken from Defore website

Generally speaking, Orange County has a reputation for being dull compared to L.A., but dance enthusiasts could entertain themselves for days at the Jimmie Defore Dance Center in Irvine.

    This famous dance studio has been open for 32 years and has trained some of the best dancers in the entertainment industry. So You Think You Can runner up "Twitch" trained there while attending Chapman University and some of the choreographers were contestants on ABDC. The studio also offers a lot of variety so dancers from all kinds of backgrounds will have something to choose from (well unless your specialty is Russian folk dance, last time I checked they didn't offer that). 

      Students do not have to have a lot of experience either, choreographers will teach the basics in any dance style. Our personal favorite for beginners is Danny Hochman's hip hop class on Tuesday nights. He adjusts to your pace no matter what level and he is very friendly so you don't have to feel awkward if you don't know anyone. More advanced hip hop enthusiasts should take Tim Stevenson's class on Monday nights. His moves are very innovative and creative, they are also difficult...do not take this class if you're never danced before. Stevenson has choreographed for Jennifer Lopez, Jo Dee Messina, Chris Rock, Ty Hemdon, Destiny's Child, Stacie Oricco and many others.

    So, if you happen to be in the area and want to squeeze in some fun and fitness, take a trip over to Jimmie Defore. 

Adam Brody joins Scream 4

It has been confirmed that Adam Brody will be joining the cast of Scream 4.  Adam Brody signed on for the highly anticipated Scream 4, joining Hayden Panettiere, Emma Roberts, Rory Culkin, Lake Bell, as well as cast originals Neve Cambell, Courtney Cox Arquette and David Arquette. Brody will play "a cop recently graduated from college who was raised on the CSI TV series." According to HorrorMovies.ca the new plot will go as follows:

SIDNEY PRESCOTT has been living the last few years of her life in relative silence. Now a guidance counselor for Woodsboro High School, her alma mater, she finally lives her life out of the media spotlight.

But with the discovery of a murdered student, Sidney Prescott’s world will once again be ripped apart by the reemergence of Ghost Face.

The staff here at HTS will most likely watch this movie within its first week of release. I just hope it's better than Scream 3.