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.

The Lovely Mark Freeman

    A bartender by day and a drag queen by night, actor and comedian Mark Freeman was surprised when he realized he had more control of his career as a woman.

    “There were no real theater companies that I wanted to be a part of, no shows that I was interested in doing and for me it was a way for me to be on stage and play a character. And I was in complete control of it,” Freeman said.

Freeman studied theater at Ohio State. Becoming a drag queen was never part of his plan, but he says queens always had a way of finding him.

The “Gayest Store on Earth”

By Frances Vega

Wall magnets at Block Party store (photo by Frances Vega)

Near the corner of Santa Monica Boulevard and San Vicente lies what has been deemed “the gayest store on Earth,” at least that’s what the owner calls it.

The store’s official name is Block Party. It is part clothing store and part novelty items. Customers have the option of buying a tank top, an “out and proud magnet,” or even adult literature. Owner Larry Block likes to think there is something for everyone, but he doesn’t want people to forget they are in the heart of “Boystown.”

“West Hollywood is becoming a homogeneous city. And that’s not good,” Block said.
Block opened his store a few months after A Different Light Bookstore closed in 2009. Selling adult books for the gay, lesbian, and transgendered community in West Hollywood, the store had been a staple in the city for almost 30 years. When Block heard about the closure he wanted to make sure the building continued being a part of the gay community. He knew the store’s owners were considering selling the store to American Apparel and he did not want the deal to happen.

Whitney Port Talks "True Whit" At USC

Whitney Port (Photo: Frances Vega)

Reality star and fashion designer, Whitney Port, appeared at USC Tuesday to talk with students about her new book, “True Whit.”

Port, who appeared on "The Hills" and starred on her own spinoff, "The City," has kept herself busy over the last few months. She’s working hard on her clothing line, doing charity work for an organization called FACE Africa, has a new book out, and for one night she added motivational speaker to the list.

K-Fed Expecting His Fifth Child

Kevin Federline and Victoria Prince (creative commons)

He’s at it again. Britney Spears’ ex-husband Kevin Federline is expecting another baby.

E! Online has reported that Federline’s girlfriend Victoria Prince is pregnant with their first child. Media outlets have reported that the former volleyball player is five months pregnant.

Federline and Prince have been dating since 2008. Sources told E! that the two are “totally happy,” but representatives from Federline’s camp have not released a statement.

E! News also tried to get a comment from Britney; her reps say “she’s focused on her work right now.”

The new baby will be Federline’s fifth child. He already has two children with Shar Jackson and two with Spears.
K-Fed seems to have some very potent sperm. Any woman who thinks about sleeping with him in the future should probably keep this in mind. Federline is a baby-making machine.

Any bets on how many more kids he’ll have before he decides to get a vasectomy? Maybe he’s working on his own version of Kate Plus Eight? It would probably work well in the time slot next to Jersey Shore and Teen Mom 2.

Reach associate entertainment editor Frances Vega here.

High Capacity Magazine Ban

By Frances Vega
 

Courtesy of Paul Koretz's office

Los Angeles City officials announced their support Wednesday of a proposed federal bill that would ban large ammunition magazines like the one used in the recent Tucson shooting.

 “You know the US has got to get beyond it’s fascination with unrestricted access to fire arms and recognize that a civilized society does not need implements of war in the hands of its citizenry in order for home protection,” said LAPD Chief Charlie Beck in an interview later. “There is no need for magazine capacity above 10 rounds in civilian hands.”

Beck, City Council President Eric Garcetti, City Councilmember Paul Koretz, and City Attorney Carmen Trutanich held a press conference urging the U.S. House of Representatives to pass H.R. 308. Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-N.Y.) sponsored the pending federal law that would prohibit magazines holding more than 10 rounds. A magazine is an ammunition feeding and storage device used in automatic and semiautomatic weapons. The magazine may be detachable or internal.

"Night Of 100 Stars" Oscar Viewing Party

Dalai Lama (Photo by Frances Vega)

By Frances Vega

The 83rd Academy Awards was the biggest event of the night on Sunday, but some celebrities chose a cozier event to attend.

The Beverly Hills Hotel hosted the 21st Annual Night of 100 Stars. This black-tie private dinner featured former Oscar winners, nominees, and other television and film actors. Celebrities had a chance to get together and watch the awards live from the hotel's Crystal Ballroom.

Nearly 200 stars arrived on the red carpet to show off their most formal attire. Even the Dalai Lama made and appearance. This years guests included Ed Asner, Fred Willard, Keith David, Alan Thicke, Chris McDonald, Antonio Sabato Jr., Lea Thompson, Bai line and many others.

Local Businesses Suffer During Oscar Setup

GBK Oscars Gifting Lounge

Mike O'Malley

By Frances Vega

The GBK Oscars Gifting Lounge was held at the W Hotel in Hollywood this weekend.

This invitation only lounge was open to various celebrities from Thursday through Saturday. GBK Productions, one of the leading gifting suite production companies, welcomed guests with cake from Hansen's Cakes and large black duffel bags for them to put their presents in.  Various sponsors bombarded Academy Award nominees, comedians and television stars with extravagant merchandise. Guests received trips to Tanzania, designer clothing, jewelry, wine, makeup and much more.

Celebrities to make an appearance throughout the weekend included: Jacki Weaver, Tom Hooper, Beau Bridges, Cloris Leachman, Denise Richards, William Shatner, Justin Long, Tristan Wilds, Camille Grammer, Jaime Pressly, Cheech Marin, Malin Akerman, Lisa Vanderpump, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Eddie Hassell, Taylor Armstrong, Kelly Rutherford, Lauren Velez, Nia Peeples, Tim Daly, Fred Willard, Natasha Henstridge, Nelson Ellis and Raven-Symone, to name a few.

The President of GBK Productions, Gavin B. Keilly, will donated proceeds to A New Way of Life, the American Red Cross, City of Hope and other charities.

Bedroom Talk at the L.A. Zoo

Gerenuks (Photo courtesy of Tad Motoyama)

By Frances Vega

For those that were looking for a unique way to spend their Valentine’s Day weekend, a trip to the L.A. Zoo might have been the perfect choice.

The Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association hosted “Sex and the City Zoo 2” on Sunday, a fundraiser intended to help fund the zoo. The lighthearted lecture taught people about the mating, dating and cohabiting behaviors of animals in the wild. Sponsors of the event also provided couples with free champagne, wine and dessert to enjoy prior to the lecture.

Cee Lo And Big Boi Bring The Grammy Pre-Party To Club Nokia

By Frances Vega

Cee Lo Green livens up the crowd at Club Nokia on Friday night before his colorful Grammy performance on Sunday (Photo by Frances Vega)

 Friday night’s Cee Lo Green concert at Club Nokia was an all age event, welcoming a diverse crowd to listen to their favorite rappers, Big Boi and Cee Lo, with Grammy-nominated Melanie Fiona as the evening's MC.

The night began with Big Boi rapping classics like “Bombs Over Baghdad,” “Rosa Parks,” and Outkast's “ATLiens.” Where most rappers expect their rhymes to carry the entire show, Big Boi brought in a few dancers to liven up his set and busted out some moves of his own.

The Rite Premiere at Grauman's Chinese Theater

By Frances Vega

[A video I made for USC's digital news site]
  
Neon Tommy was on the black carpet for the premiere of "The Rite" at Grauman's Chinese Theater in Hollywood.

Watch what the stars of the movie had to say about exorcism and what it was like working with sir Anthony Hopkins.

The horror thriller was released in theaters on Jan. 28.

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