“Be kind, no exceptions” CL interviews a unique Good Samaritan

In a world where, at times there seems to be such depressing and sad news, a little kindness can go a long way. While I was attending undergrad at Point Park University in Pittsburgh, there was a lady who made it her mission to spread joy, happiness, and kindness. To the public, she was known as “Secret Agent L” and in July 2009 she began the Secret Agent L (SAL) project. Agent L and her ‘affiliated agents’ would do anonymous random acts of kindness or ‘day-brighteners’ for unsuspecting Pittsburgh residents. A year after the project began, Agent L held a charitable fundraiser to reveal her identity to the world. Behind the nude trench coat, dark sunglasses and black hat was 32 year old Laura Miller. Followers and supporters were thrilled they could finally put a face to this mysterious woman. College Lifestyles was able to chat with Laura about SAL, life after the reveal and all things good.

 

How did the Secret Agent L (SAL) project begin?

I used to have a personal blog and there was a woman in Texas named Tobi who was reading my blog and I was reading hers. She always left comments and we would sometimes talk through email.  After a while, it felt like I knew her. In July of 2009, Tobi was going to have a birthday and I really wanted to send her something. Tobi said not to send her anything, instead she wanted me to go out and do a random act of kindness.  She told me I can call myself ‘Secret Agent L’.  So Tobi is responsible.

After Tobi’s suggestion, you ran with the idea. What was the first ‘mission’ you performed?

I was a theater major in undergrad and I act professionally as well so I thought this was the perfect opportunity to take on another persona. So I decided that’s what I was going to do for Tobi. I was sitting at work with my assistant Vivian and I explained the whole situation to her and I said I think it would be so cool to make a little business card and attach it to a flower and leave that flower somewhere like on a random windshield or wherever and take pictures and put them on the blog. We created a secret agent blog and sent it off to Tobi. Tobi thought it was above and beyond but she loved it. She submitted the post to a website called Kirtsy, where you can find the most interesting things on the web. Within a day I was getting hundreds of hits on my blog and I thought this was so fun that I had to do another mission.

What kind of reactions have you received about the SAL project?

People who first learn about the project are really interested in participating, which is the best. Occasionally, I will get emails from people who have been recipients from a mission and across the board their responses are that they were having a really hard day or they were going through serious depression or have been feeling really alone and they happen to look down and see this card that says ‘For you, yes you!’  and it changed everything for them that day. There couldn’t be better reactions than that.

Why did you decide to reveal yourself after being anonymous for the first year of the project?

I started to feel kind of lonely because all these followers were telling me how much how they enjoyed what I was doing and they wanted to meet me. So I decided to reveal myself at a charity fundraiser for National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Did your life change at all after the big reveal?

A couple days after the reveal fundraiser and party CNN contacted me about doing a live interview on TV. The morning after the interview, I had over a thousand emails in my inbox. Then the Huffington Post picked up the story along with Fox news, the Alan Colmes show, Glamour.com and Readers Digest. Yahoo! did a story on the top ten inspirational acts of 2010 and named the Secret Agent L project as one of those acts. Once CNN contacted me, my life completely changed.

What kind of missions do you and your affiliated agents perform?

I have taken a little step back from doing the missions only because the project in the last couple years has really grown but when I do get a chance to do a mission I really love giving just a five dollar bill in a greeting card or a coffee shop gift card. I always tell the affiliated agents that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to make a difference. It’s the little things like that really have a good meaning. I take whatever is personal to me and give it back to someone else.

Did you ever expect this blog to turn into a project with Affiliated Agents from all around the world?

Not at all! When I was anonymous for the first year, it was just something fun Vivienne and I could do. We would occasionally do these missions because we thought it was really exciting that no one knew who we were but we had such a huge following.

A lot of times we are juggling so many things. How do you find the time to do this?

I’m going to make the time, not find it. When it comes down to it you make the time for it. You make a conscious decision to do this and give back. I don’t do it every day but my heart tells me that this is something important to me and it really matters. Nothing tops what I get from this project, nothing.

How can CL readers become an Affiliated Agent?

It’s really simple to become an agent. Visit secretagentl.com and send me an email and I will email back giving everything they need to do their first mission. I’ll include tips on how to complete your first mission. I don’t assign a mission to people because I want them to make this a completely personal thing. I also attach the SAL business card so you can leave them on your mission gifts.  After the mission is complete, email a picture and a write up about what you did and watch for it on the blog.

 

Since its beginning in 2009, the Secret Agent L Project has gained international attention with over 2,000 affiliated agents in 8 different countries including Japan, Germany, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Australia.

 

Interested in spreading happiness?  Visit the SAL website to become an affiliated agent.

 

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Minyvonne Burke is a fashion and lifestyle writer for College Lifestyles ™. She graduated from Point Park University and is currently pursuing her master’s degree at Hofstra University. She loves online shopping, cute bags and NYC.

Were You Single On Valentine’s Day? Learn To Love Yourself & Music

Even though February is coming to a close and the pressure from everyone to have a date for Valentine’s Day is long gone, all ladies should feel beautiful. Remember, you are amazing 365 days out of the year, 366 this year, it’s a leap year! These songs are perfect for any single girl looking to sing and dance alone in her room, or blast in the car with friends. They’ll make you proud to be single

1. Single Ladies- Beyonce
2. I Look So Good Without You- Jessie James
3. Make Me Proud- Drake
4. Kerosene- Miranda Lambert
5. Who Says- Selena Gomez

1.  Single Ladies- Number one is obvious. What girl has not done the “single ladies” dance at least once in their life. It’s a single girl’s anthem!

2. I Look So Good Without You- The perfect post-breakup, newly single song.

3. Make Me Proud- Drake recognizes a women’s independence, and celebrates that as a women you do not need to depend on anyone.

4. Kerosene- It is about being strong, getting revenge and letting all of your anger and emotions out.

5. Who Says- The song is a girl power song stating I’m beautiful being me!

 

Alex is a freshman at Kent State University. She is a single, hopeless romantic that believes music can make you feel amazing regardless of how bad your day is going! 

CL’s Entertainment Round Up

This week was a surprisingly busy one in the entertainment world. It was filled with possible new romances and tons of television news. It was a great time for the pop culture obsessed!

 
Fostering A Relationship?

The publicity tour for Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax may not be the only thing Taylor Swift and Zac Effron have recently started. The two visited Ellen this week, and were simply adorable. Swft even taught Effron how to play the guitar! Effron sat with his arm around Swift until they began a duet. Swift shrieked in pride once Effron proved he could strike E minor on his own. “Only a girlfriend would react that quickly,” remarked DeGeneres. To see the two songbirds together watch the video here. Tell us how do you feel about the possibility of Swiffron in the comments!

Back to the Community

Community lovers rejoice! The cult comedy will be back on NBC March 15 at 8p.m. Fans of the show can now put their pitch forks down and go back to enjoying one of the best shows out there.

 Sarah Hyland’s Boyfriend Welcomed Into The Family

Do you ever wonder how star’s boyfriends deal with their girl’s onscreen beaus? Well, Sarah Hyland’s boyfriend actor Matt Prokop won’t have to. He’s set to star along side his real-life girlfriend, who plays Haley Dunphy on Modern Family, as her television boyfriend. The hit comedy has hired Prokop to play Haley’s newest love interest. I hope this relationship works well for the eldest Dunphy daughter, or else that will be an awkward episode for Hyland and Prokop.

Glee Cast Walking Down The Aisle?

All Gleeks out there were waiting for this week’s episode, “On My Way.” Glee star Lea Michele felt for her fans and decided to give them a little present. On Monday she tweeted “In anticipation of tomorrows very memorable episode.. We took this photo.. We call it GLEE-MAIDS..” In the tweet was a hysterical photo of the Glee girls as the Bridesmaids actresses—hot pink dresses and attitudes included.

This week also saw Dorothy’s ruby red slippers (talked about in the last Round Up) saved by Leonardo DiCaprio for the Academy Museum in Los Angeles, a second book announcement from Justin Bieber and tons of Oscar buzz. I can’t even wait to know what’ll happen next week. Check back next week for the Round Up!

Ariana Romero is a senior entertainment and fashion writing intern for College Lifestyles! She’s so excited for the Oscars this weekend–expect tons of news loyal CL readers! 

GG Recap: 5 OMG/UGH Moments in ‘Cross Rhodes’

*SPOILER ALERT*

This week’s episode of Gossip Girl entitled “Cross Rhodes” left me at a cross roads with the show. Yes, the show finally took the wheel and started dealing with all the issues that they have been dragging out and building up for an entire season. But instead of typical OMG! GG fashion, subpar scenes made up the most of the hour. The build up of the sexual tension between Dan and Blair was sealed with a few slimy kisses, but the character that Blair is becoming is totally undermining everything the show has tried shaping into. Another build up that should have came raining down bricks, instead ended slower than a floating feather.  The only piece of this week’s plot that served justice to the Upper East Side’s exciting twists and turns came from Chuck Bass’s seductive schemes. Overall, the episode did not meet it’s potential, and as much as most people hate to love the show, I’m starting to love to hate the show.

Check out the top 5 OMG! and UGH. moments:

1. 

   Photo Credit: TVRecap.Com

   Scarves and Schemes: The Bass(tard) is back with his sexy seductive schemes. He invites Dan over to walk the dog putting on a friendly face (as if Dan playing the knight in shining armor for his ex-girlfriend doesn’t matter). When Dan is distracted, Chuck sneakily switches Dan’s real manuscript with a plagiarized story. Here comes the sexy part. Chuck sends over a fabulous scarf to Dan’s book agent, Alexandra, and convinces her he needs to see her with it on (or off?). His seductive charm works flawlessly and Alexandra sends in Dan’s story (without reviewing it, of course) so the two can get some one-on-one hot and heavy time. Unfortunately for Alexandra, Chuck could care less about their time together and only has one goal in mind: sinking Dan’s career as payback for “stealing” Blair. Little does he know, Blair isn’t being stolen away…she is being swept away and her phone call to Chuck to leave Dan alone seals that. In proper OMG behavior, just as Chuck adheres to his princess’s wishes by sending Alexandra Dan’s real manuscript, Gossip Girl sends Chuck a real message of her own–proof that Dan was the one who sent the “Blair Loves Chuck” confession to GG. YAY Upper East Siders, does anyone see what I see? A hint of reason for Blair to potentially hate Dan and come running back to Chuck, restoring all that is right in the world. OMG! 
2. 

   Photo Credit: TVRecap.com

   RIP CeCe: Is it just me or wouldn’t the fact that your mother was deathly ill and receiving chemotherapy, and oh yeah, had a stroke and is dying all be granted with a little more tears and a little more… I don’t know EMOTION? I must say, I am a style stalker and totally love scenes that are focusing on designer studs, but in a moment of such intense dramatic tension, I must say the cameras focusing in on Lily’s heals instead of Lily’s emotional peals was a bit unrealistic and annoying. Not to mention, CeCe looked extremely good (and young) for struggling with cancer and undergoing chemo, and oh yeah dying. The show touches on so many real issues, and instead of really digging deep into them they barely sit on the surface. UGH.

3. Unmemorable Rhodes: As I  mentioned earlier, Gossip Girl has been building the Charlie Rhodes car crash for nearly two seasons. Everyone has been at the edge of their seats waiting for the manic train wreck, and waiting to see its messy aftermath. I must say I was more than disappointed. I was disgusted. The storyline had so much potential to be a fiasco, and instead the revelation was so simple, and so not meeting the Upper East Side ‘s dramatic edge. Serena frightens Ivy away with the threat to call the cops, sending dear old Ivy into the arms of our favorite manipulator, Georgina. Serena attempts to get to know the real Charlie, or Lola as she now goes by, with an offer to grab some good old Manhattan coffee, but Lola rejects and instead decides to spend her time getting to know Nate’s sleeping habits. Dear GG writers: if you’re going to set it on the stove for so long, you should have let it explode, not just turn it off. Years from now, when I look back on the Chivy/Chola dilemma, I won’t remember any of this. UGH.
4. 

   Photo Credit: TVRecap.com

   Dair to Care: I seriously dare someone to actually care about Dan and Blair. Their relationship is seriously unbelievable, and by that I mean literally. It is just not believable. I don’t get where Dan became this attractive love interest for Blair. Yes, he did so much for her. But the mutual feelings were never properly articulated throughout the seasons for me to develop an attachment to the characters as a couple. And then there was, oh yeah, that guy named Chuck. Hello!? Oh, and let’s not forget to mention she is married to someone who, up until the wedding day, she supposedly had true feelings for. Blair is beyond confused. She is being turned into a little bit of a sleeze. And all of a sudden, GG writers expect me to hop on to the Dair wagon by throwing in some romantic hand holding, sloppy lip locks, and deep revelations through mock plays of their lives? I think not. UGH.

5. S & B or BS?: Serena and Blair have had their fair share of frenemy moments, but up until yesterday I really thought their friendship was real. But Blair’s
   

   Photo Credit: TVRecap.com

   move to pawn all over Dan, whether Serena okays it or not, is not acceptable. It’s BS. There are no exceptions to the friend rule, especially when the friend is your best friend who is more like your sister than anything else (hello, they live together!). Whether Serena says she doesn’t want to be a road block between the two new lovebirds or not, Blair should realize Serena is still hurting. After all, it was just a week before that Blair was playing the BFF Cupid trying to get the two exes back together on the premise that Serena still had feelings for Dan. It’s enough that the guy you have feelings for rejects you (again), but the fact that the person he rejects you for is your best friend and your best friend (who happens to get every guy in town) wants him back…that’s just the epitome of shitty. Blair might have been the bratty Queen B, but now she’s a petty princess who apparently doesn’t care about any of the real relationships she has worked so hard to establish– especially the most important one, the one with herself. One in which she respects herself to not become the woman stuck between three different guys, the one where she doesn’t betray her best friend, and the one where doesn’t become relient on men but instead is happy relying on herself. UGH.

CL’s Entertainment Round Up!

A CL girl is a busy girl—even the interns. I usually use Friday’s to write for all of you, our wonderful readers. After compiling all the week’s juiciest Hollywood gossip and entertainment I get down to making a coherent article. This Friday was instead filled by hours of reporting for my news class and writing a surprisingly long story. The rest of the weekend I got to spend time with the great girls from the Zeta Omega chapter of Alpha Gamma Delta, who visited us at Alpha. But that doesn’t mean I forgot about my Weekly Roundup. Here’s Hollywood’s Weekly Roundup—the weekend included.

 

Happy Birthday Riri!

Today is Rihanna’s birthday. Let’s hope she finds love in a hopeful place this time around. The pop superstar is 24 today, and a certain ex of hers didn’t forget. Chris Brown tweeted at the birthday girl, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROBYN!” Robyn Rihanna Fenton answered with a simple “Thanks!” It’s good to see that the two can be so amicable after such a difficult public break up.

Whitney Houston Goes Home

Loved ones gathered on Saturday in Newark, NJ to say goodbye to singer Whitney Houston. A private viewing for those especially close to Houston was held on Friday. Industry insiders like Oprah Winfrey, Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys and Stevie Wonder all paid their respects to their friend.

 

Lindsay Lohan Back and Livelier Than Ever

When I searched IMDb for Lindsay Lohan’s most recent projects, Herbie Fully Loaded came up next to her name. Remember when LiLo actually did things? I miss those times. Well, she’s about to be directly back in the spot light—and live! The actress is set to host Saturday Night Live on March 3^rd with Jack White as the musical guest. With an iconic Debbie Downer sketch already under her belt, I’m excited to see her back on SNL.

 

We’re Not In The Smithsonian Anymore

Dorothy’s infamous ruby slippers from The Wizard Oz won’t be on display for much longer. The famous footwear will be pulled from their current spot in the Smithsonian, and prepared for conservation. The shoes will be back out for the “American Stories” display starting April 5^th.

 

The Vow Promises Not To Disappoint

Channing Tatum and Rachel McAdams have a romantic blockbuster on their hands. Last week, The Vow took in $11.6 million on Valentines Day, the highest gross a movie has ever made during the holiday mid-week. The record-breaking movie beat out former winner, 2005’s Hitch, which made 7.5 million on the romantic day.

Ariana Romero is a senior entertainment and fashion writing intern for College Lifestyles! She can’t wait to see what shenanigans go on in Hollywood this week. 

Top 5 Classy Celeb Couples

Hollywood experienced a high number of divorces in recent months. Fabulous couples such as Heidi Klum and Seal, Katy Perry and Russell Brand, and Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher all separated. With these break-ups dominating the news, CL thought it would be a great idea to celebrate the classy celeb couples who continue to prove love and commitment conquer all.

 1. Prince William and Kate Middleton

 

The world watched in awe as the future King of England married his longtime love Kate Middleton last April. Now known as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, they live in Wales where William is based as a search and rescue pilot. They always look amazing and are heavily involved in charitable causes. Despite being constantly followed, they always show class and are genuinely kind people.

2. Beyoncé and Jay-Z

This power couple began dating in 2002 and finally tied the knot in 2008. They both have impressive careers as two of the biggest names in music and still maintain their commitment to one another. Known for their impressive fashion sense, this classy couple is always a red carpet favorite. They just welcomed their adorable daughter Blue Ivy on January 7. Instead of selling the first photos of their daughter to a celebrity magazine, they posted them on their own website for fans.

3. Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner

This endearing Hollywood couple got married in 2005 and settled into a quiet life with their kids. They have two daughters, Violet and Seraphina, and are expecting their third child. Jen is frequently snapped by the paparazzi with their kids, but they always look happy and healthy. They seem to maintain a sense of normalcy that is hard to find among today’s Hollywood families.

4. Faith Hill and Tim McGraw

This classy couple rules the country music world. They have three daughters and live a quiet life in Nashville. They promised long ago to never spend more than 3 days apart. They also frequently duet and tour together, proving that commitment can make a marriage last.

5. David and Victoria Beckham

This soccer superstar and his singer/fashion designer wife are one of the most famous couples in the world. Despite being a mother to four children, Victoria is always fashion forward and is rarely seen without her signature heels. She has been married to David since 1999. They are committed parents with great careers and they always look and act classy.

So, co-eds, do you agree with this list of classy celeb couples? Did your favorite couple make the list or do you think another couple should have been included? Let CL know in the comments below!

 

 

CL Predicts: Academy Awards 2012

The biggest award show awarding the best in movies for 2011 is fast approaching, and with it comes the inevitable guessing game of who will take home the top honors.  The Artist proved to be a dark horse this awards season picking up the Golden Globe and BAFTA for Best Picture. The lead actor and actress races are in a dead heat with both George Clooney and Jean Dujarding earning three awards, and Meryl Streep is only one win ahead of Viola Davis.  However, the Academy Awards are notorious for mixing it up, so who knows what surprises we will see. These are College Lifestyles’ predictions for the 2012 Academy Awards.

1. Best Picture- The Help

The Help has received it’s fair share of awards in the acting area, and picked up the SAG award for Best Picture. This movie not only showed off the stellar acting chops of Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer, but it connected with the emotional side of us as well.

2. Actor in a Leading Role- George Clooney

George Clooney starred in The Descendants, a story about a father trying to reconnect with his two daughters after their mother dies in a boat accident. Clooney has received the Golden Globe and Critic’s Choice award for his performance, and he seems poised for another win.

3. Actress in a Leading Role- Viola Davis

Viola Davis made quite the splash this awards season for her performance in The Help. She has tough competition in the form of one Meryl Streep, but Davis has been gaining steam in the past couple of weeks.  This should be one of the night’s most interesting categories.

4. Actor in a Supporting Role- Christopher Plummer

Christopher Plummer captivated audiences playing Hal Fields, an elderly, homosexual man diagnosed with terminal cancer, in 2010′s Beginners. Plummer has swept his category this season, so there isn’t much strategy for this choice.

5. Actress in a Supporting Role- Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer has four awards to her name for her role in The Help. After playing small parts in a variety of films, Spencer made her name known this year, and has the accolades to prove it.

Tune in February 26 to see who takes home the top honors, and sound off in the comment section to let us know your picks for the big show.

 

Monica Maldonado is a journalism and fashion merchandising student at the University of North Texas, and a member of Phi Kappa Phi.  When she’s not running around campus trying to find her next story, you can find her attached to her laptop, feeding her addiction to pop culture and fashion.

GG Recap: Crazy, Cupid, Love’s Arrow Missed Fans’ Hearts

Like many Gossip Girl fans, I’ve been dedicated to the show since day 1 when it first premiered back in 2007. I took a backseat as I watched the Constance and St. Jude drama unfold from Serena’s affair with Nate, to Queen B’s deflowering by Chuck, to (fill in the blank)’s drug problem. As the gossip spun out of control, I scooted closer and closer to the passenger’s seat with every part of me wanting to take the wheel and hit the breaks on some issues, and accelerate on others. The show was exhilarating, new, risky.

Then came all the roadblocks of getting into college, which in retrospect was kind of a waste of everyone’s time since now our Upper East Siders are all much too successful and well off to earn an education. I mean who would need one after becoming published authors, editor-in-chiefs, successful bloggers and business owners, or a real-life princess?! Then all the cute relationships fell apart, and what did most GG fans want? For them to be put back together. It is understandable that it couldn’t happen after just one season or maybe even two. But, seriously? We’re on season 5.

Back in high school, reviewing this show would be my dream. Today, not so much. The show, to put it nicely, is lackluster. The storylines that are of any interest are sadly those of flat characters who come in and out of the plot—cue the Charlies. The only theme GG writers are showing us is that after years of developing our dynamic Upper East siders, no one really changes or grows. If anything at all, they get dumber. Not just in personality, but in actions. Serena backstabs Blair, Blair backstabs Serena. Blair and Chuck aren’t together. Dan is lonely boy, except a jerkier version. Back to the Basst with his reckless rollercoaster. Nate is still oblivious and chasing after a love that is interested in something more than him. You see where I’m going with this? For a popular television show, Gossip Girl is a broken record machine, and at this point I’m way past taking a backseat, the passenger seat, or even wanting to take the wheel. I’m just ready to jump out. Get it together GG writers. We love the drama, but growth among the characters is necessary for a successful, appealing plot.  For once, Georgina put it best: “This party is so 2007 anyway.”

OMG! or UGH.

1. Michelle Trachtenberg’s (Georgina) Fake-ting
   • Wow. Michelle did a hell of a lot better job acting as Harriet The Spy than she did in yesterday’s episode of GG. What was going on, honestly? From her pathetic attempts to look interested in her schemes to the terrible confrontation with Charlie and lastly to her BIG reveal to Dan, I was definitely disappointed. Michelle’s fake acting was seriously hard to watch or listen to. UGH.
   

   PHOTO CREDIT: GIOVANNI RUFINO/Warner Brothers

2. Princess Problems 101
   • I guess being a princess in a fake marriage isn’t as bad as GG writers cut it out to be. After spending a few episodes hyping up Blair’s loveless lair lockdown, she returns to Manhattan without any of the evil Grimaldis (including her not so charming prince hubby) and instead bring a royal minder to make sure she is obeying her royal wedding vows. I’m almost positive that the reason Prince Louis went through with the wedding was to save himself from any blows to his image by keeping the lovely lady on his arm, so GG writers need to connect the dots a little better next time. UGH.
3. Operation Derena
   • Something about Blair playing Cupid made me laugh. She seemed to sincerely want the best for her besties, and watching her and my fav Dorota double up to see it happen was amusing. Blair’s “high school sweetheart” couple was my favorite touch; only because it was so evident that they were paid actors. Hey, it’s the thought that counts… right? OMG!
4. 7 Seconds in Hell…or Heaven?
   • Dan kisses Blair, Blair kisses back?! Make up your mind B. And in Chuck’s room?! Whatever happened to the classy sophisticated Blair? What were her intentions behind the laundry list of charming chores Dan has done for her followed by a foolish, “If you’re that guy with Serena how could she not love you?” And again, “What would really make you happy Dan?” Is she honestly the only person blind enough to not see that Dan is madly, sadly in love with her? For Vampire Diary watchers, this is starting to be an Elena-takes-all twist. Blair is married to Louis, in love with Chuck, and likes Dan. I’ve always loved Blair, but she is disappointing me. Especially coming from the strong woman who didn’t want to be with the love of her life because she wanted to create a name for herself first (rather than be known as Chuck’s arm-candy). For a former Miss Independent, she really is a hot mess with her love triangle-turned-web. Not only is she now arm-candy to someone who has her trapped in a loveless marriage, she is also screwing over two good friends, and hurting the one person who I think she loves the most. UGH.
   

   PHOTO CREDIT: GIOVANNI RUFINO/Warner Brothers

5. Will The Real Rhodes Please Stand Up?
• SURPRISE! The “original” impostor Charlie Rhodes is back. The entire episode we’re kept guessing at what the reason for her risky return to the Upper East Side could possibly be. At the same time, the thought of a run in with Charlie-Ivy (Chivy) or Charlie-Lola (Chola) is exciting. And when we find out that they not only know each other, but that Nate spills the beans to Chola, it only creates more excitement to the Charlie Rhodes storyline. Now that real Charlie Rhodes knows she has an impostor, most people are guessing how the big reveal will go down. I, on the other hand, am going to take a wild guess and say Chola might like to hold on to the secret for safe keeping (or leverage) just a little longer. This is probably the only story-line that’s keeping me hooked! OMG!

Pretty Little Liars Recap: A Little Thing Called Blackmail

In this week’s episode, “CTRL: A,” Spencer struggles to come to terms with the bombshell known as Jason’s paternity, Caleb goes from swimming in hot water to boiling water, and the truth behind Holden’s nasty bruise is revealed.

Last week Spencer learned she has a half-brother in one Jason DiLaurentis, and she is avoiding her family at all costs by bunking with Aria. Spencer does want to talk to Jason though to find out what else he knows, and a trip to his office leads Spencer to see the peculiar scene of Jason talking to Maya by a fruit stand.  Anyone want to venture a guess on how those two know each other?  Jason tells Spencer he came across another one of Alison’s secret boxes, only this one didn’t contain a porcelain doll.  Instead, he found letters from Peter Hastings to Alison and Jason’s mother in the box, as well as three envelopes stuffed with cash totaling $15,000.  This leads Jason to conclude Alison knew the truth about Peter and her mother, so she blackmailed the Hastings patriarch.  Spencer ends up going home to confront her father, and he tells her he never gave Alison money for anything.  She believes him, but Jason doesn’t, and Spencer calls him out on wanting Peter to have been the one giving Alison money so he can stay angry with him.

The money might just come in handy now because the girls have to come up with $2,000.  Last week, the girls set up a

meeting with the mystery person behind the phone number in Ali’s coat.  So they go to the meeting, but only Aria does the face to face talking, and turns out Alison, or Vivian, was doing business with a guy named Jonah who worked for a cellular phone company.  Alison agreed to pay him $2,000 in exchange for information about an unknown number who kept texting her.  Jonah got the information but Alison never paid the money, and now he’s willing to sell Aria the information for the same price or higher.  As of now Spencer might be close to getting her hands on the money after she tells Jason Alison could have been blackmailing someone else, so she could get the $2,000 to pay for information on a person she was afraid of.

Aria has another meeting in this episode; only this one is with Holden.  After calling off their arrangement last week, Aria relents after Holden tells her he needs to get himself to a martial arts tournament because it’s a qualifying match.  Apparently, while Aria goes off to her rendezvous with Ezra, Holden’s been sparring in a gym somewhere.  Holden’s parents don’t approve so that’s why he remains so secretive about it.  Aria plans to meet up with Ezra to talk about his offered position as an associate dean at the New Orleans extension of Holis, but those plans may be ruined by a less than trusting Byron and an even more conniving A.  A leaves a note on Byron’s car listing the address of the restaurant Aria and Ezra are planning to meet up at.  However, Aria ends up cancelling her date with Ezra thanks to some information regarding Holden’s health.  Ella tells Aria Holden’s parents have been worried about him because he has a heart condition called abdominal aortic aneurysm.  Of course after hearing the news Aria sticks around to watch Holden fight to make sure he doesn’t get seriously hurt.  Would Ezria fans be furious with me if I said I really like the dynamic between Aria and Holden?

The most intense story line of the week may have been Caleb’s run in with the police.  Garret shows up at Rosewood High’s swim meet with a court order to have Caleb’s laptop taken away because apparently someone was hacking into school records and the trail led back to Caleb’s computer.  Hanna tells Caleb he needs to erase anything incriminating off his laptop, but when he tries to hack in from another computer he gets blocked.  Hanna has her trouble with Rosewood’s finest as well after the lead detective on Alison’s murder case, Detective Wilden, finds a security cam picture of Spencer, Emily, and Hanna outside the morgue.  Just as a refresher, pages of Alison’s autopsy report went missing, so the picture makes the girls look even guiltier.  Caleb ends up going down to the police station because he won’t get his laptop back unless he cooperates, but right before he’s taken in for interrogation he tells Hanna he needs her help.  While Caleb is getting grilled in an interrogation room, Hanna wracks her brain to remember the password to Caleb’s computer so she can erase the school records A planted on his laptop.  Of course like any great suspense scene, Hanna comes through at the last minute, and the files get deleted right before Detective Wilden’s and most importantly Garret’s eyes.

Emily had her share of problems this episode, but of the relationship kind.  After a distraught Maya tells Emily her parents found an old joint in one of Maya’s boxes, Emily swears she will do whatever it takes to prevent Maya from going back to True North.  That’s all well and good until Emily catches Maya lighting a not so old joint on Hanna’s porch.  Maya decides in order to make sure she doesn’t go back to True North she has to run away to San Francisco, and she asks Emily to go with her.  Emily refuses, but at the end of the episode she calls Maya to beg her to reconsider.

What did you think of Holden’s revelation?  Is it what you expected?  Caleb is out of the woods for now, but A won’t stop until he’s out of their way.  What do you think A will attempt next? Is it good that the girls are letting more people into what is going on with A, or do you think it’s a mistake since everyone they let in ends up getting hurt?

Sound off in the comment section, and tune in next Monday for an all new episode of Pretty Little Liars.

 

Monica Maldonado is a journalism and fashion merchandising student at the University of North Texas, and a member of Phi Kappa Phi.  When she’s not running around campus trying to find her next story, you can find her attached to her laptop, feeding her addiction to pop culture and fashion.

Award Winning Actress Erica Hubbard Chats with CL!

Chicago native Erica Hubbard is one of the most versatile, educated, and charismatic entertainers of today’s generation. Perhaps you’ve seen her star in ABC Family’s hit show “Lincoln Heights” playing the lead role of Cassie Sutton for four seasons. Or see her weekly as the outgoing Kita Whitmore on BET’s “Let’s Stay Together.” Her resume speaks volumes having been in the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Save the Last Dance, and A Cinderella Story. Erica proves that beauty and brains isn’t just a statement, she graduated college in just three years and has appeared in numerous magazines. Erica gave College Lifestyles the scoop on how to become a serious actress, what her day is like, and her fashion tips.

CL: You graduated from Columbia College in Chicago. How do you think pursuing a higher education has helped your career?

Pursuing a higher career and earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree has helped my career tremendously.  From attending a four-year college I have a learned behavior of being detailed oriented, keen on time management, and disciplined enough to finish any task at hand.  Attending Columbia College in Chicago has taught me professional skills that I didn’t have to learn on a job.  I love to seek different opportunities and going through college it becomes habitual to study and research so you are made aware of how to maneuver through any profession educationally.

CL: What activities were you involved in when you were in college?

I formed the first Film and Television Organization, I was in CCABJ (Columbia College Association of Broadcast Journalism), I also wrote for the Theater Department Newsletter as well as our Dormitory Newsletter and I was on CCEN (Columbia College Electronic Newsletter).  While I was in college I also had a paid internship at an advertising company and was in the work-aid program working in the Dean’s Office. Moreover, I hosted a children’s television show for a local network in Chicago. I do not like to sit idle. I love to work and stay busy!

CL: As an actress you attend red carpet events, appearances, and award shows. What are your tips to co-eds who want to look professional, stylish, and fashion forward?

I am not afraid to ask for constructive criticism before I attend any event.  I like to hire a team of working professionals in the entertainment industry who can advise on my hair, make-up, and wardrobe styling. I would suggest that everyone center themselves around the best and the brightest in their specific profession.  Choosing a professional-working mentor who works in your same occupation can also help guide you and propel your career.

CL: Have you always wanted to be an actress? Do you have a few tips for students who would like to pursue a career in the entertainment industry?

I have always wanted to be an actress since I was nine years old.  Acting has always been a true passion of mine!  A major tip for anyone who wants to pursue a career in the entertainment industry is to read books written about the profession. Some might include Respect for Acting (Uta Hagen), Audition (Michael Shurtleff) and No Acting Please (Eric Morris & Joan Hotchkis). Also, I recommend that the student take classes and train on stage in a play as well. Next, make sure you get a great agent, and when you have a list of great credits get a manager on your team.  Lastly, try to get in all three unions for actors: EQUITY, SAG and AFTRA.

CL: What is your typical day like on the set of “Let’s Stay Together”?

My typical day on the set of Let’s Stay Together consist of waking up for an early call-time in which we all usually begin our day around 6 am, we go to hair and make-up, get dressed in our wardrobe, we eat breakfast, we find-out if we have notes or need new sides (if the dialogue has been changed or more has been added), the cast runs lines together, then we go over our blocking (we learned in rehearsals the day before filming), some of us stand-in for our own lighting, then we tape, we break for lunch, then we get touched-up for hair and make-up, run more lines for our scenes, shoot some more coverage if not completed, then film other scenes, after we get our lighting done.  Then, depending on if we shot all our pages that day we usually wrap at night around 8 pm or later.  Predominately each day is a 13-hour day or more.

CL: What type of other roles do you hope to pursue in the future?

In the future I think I would be interested in all different types of genres and roles.  While in school, the Chairman of our Theater Department (Sheldon Patikin-from Second City and Steppenwolf in Chicago) trained and challenged us to take on a variety of roles. With the vast amount of body movements, vocal techniques, and stage skills we learned, I feel that I can portray anything from a lead in a romance story to an action hero.

 Contact Erica Hubbard on her website or follow her on Twitter

Amber Ferguson is a fashion/health intern at College Lifestyles (TM). She is a sophomore at Prince George’s Community College studying English. She’s obsessed with reality TV & loves traveling. Follow her on Twitter @Ms_AmberDawn.

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