An Angel in Disguise: Tribute to America's Sweet Curly Top

by Hannah Garcia

Shirley Temple graced the world of cinema with a charm that left America one angel richer, and talents that to this day, no one has matched.

Shirley Temple
Photo Credit: googleimages

Appearing in front of the camera since age 4, she flashed her signature dimples or pout in more than 40 movies before becoming a teenager.

Everybody knows Temple, who died of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in February at the age of 85, primarily for her amazing success as such a young actress and her locks of gold.

However, Temple was more than just a star. Born to banker George Temple and his wife Gertrude on April 23, 1928, Shirley was destined for success. Being the daughter after two sons, Gertrude wasted no time implementing her own dreams of stardom on her baby girl.

Famously encouraging her to "sparkle" before nearly every performance, Gertrude claimed her daughter's first words were lyrics of a song by crooner Rudy Vallee and, when Shirley was only three years old, her mother enrolled her at the Meglin Dance Studio in Los Angeles.

Her mother also played a significant part in defining her daughter’s signature trademark appearance, setting her hair in what would become her famous locks of gold.

“When I think of Shirley Temple all I can think about are those long locks bouncing up and down to ‘Animal Crackers’.” Temple fan Monica Beiler explained. “That image is an image I never want to forget.”

It caught the attention of talent-spotters for Educational Studios and producers all around Los Angeles.  According to an article written by ABC, her work came with an eerie twist on early Hollywood child labor. Temple, when she acted up, would be given a time-out in a solitary confinement box with only a block of ice to sit on, something her mother believed taught her a "profound" lesson that, "Time is money. Wasted time means wasted money means trouble."

Shirley Temple didn't twerk. She was a golden child in the eyes of America.

She became America's representative to the UN, and later ambassador to both Ghana and Czechoslovakia. According to ABC, she sensed that, out of childhood, she was like Esther Williams out of a swimming pool and not really a star.

But nonetheless Temple had style, self-possession, and a capacity for public performance that not many possess,

“'I class myself with Rin Tin Tin. People in the Depression wanted something to cheer them up, and they fell in love with a dog and a little girl.'’ Temple said.

In 1932, Temple was selected as the main character in Bright Eyes. She achieved almost household-deity status in the United States: the movie was conceived specifically for her. The film skyrocketed her career.

She was the top box-office star four years in a row, from 1935 to 1938. Her career was at its peak as the country was suffering the effects of the Great Depression, and her films offered uplifting moments.

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt proclaimed, “As long as our country as Shirley Temple, we will be all right.”

In her early 20s, Temple quit the film industry sensing that she could never have the stardom she had as a little girl. She decided to serve the United States by acting as an ambassador instead of an entertainer and becoming involved in politics.

Following her venture into television, she married John Agar, an army physical training instructor, and had a daughter, but the union lasted only four years.

She met her true soul mate Charles Black, a wealthy San Francisco businessman, married immediately, and disappeared from the limelight for almost 20 years.

When she returned to the public eye in 1967, it was as Shirley Temple Black, Republican candidate for Congress.

“She captured the affections of millions around the world by her endearing performances on the silver screen as a young girl, but I also admired Shirley for her selfless service to our country later in her life," Bush said in a statement released by his spokesman. "In both roles, she truly lifted people up and earned not only a place in our hearts ,but also our enduring respect.

Temple was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1972. She became one of the first most influential speakers about her cancer and changed the lives of many women across America.

Shirley Temple with her Oscar in 1935
Photo Credit: express.co.uk

“My doctors have assured me that they are 100 percent certain the cancer is removed,” Temple said. “The only reason I am telling you this is to convince other women to watch for any lump or unusual symptom. There is almost certain cure for this cancer if it is caught early enough.”  

After receiving over 50,000 letters of support after revealing her diagnosis, she went on to be recognized by the Journal for Women’s Health in 2012 as the first public figure to come forward and write about breast cancer.

To this day, child star Shirley Temple continues to captivate generations of viewers through song, dance, comedy and drama.

“I will never forget the iconic woman that Shirley Temple was.” 80-year-old Temple fan Renay Bailey exclaimed. “Even in my old age, Shirley Temple makes me feel young. Her songs are the kind that stick with you until the day you die.”

They’re Back: 10 Years of the Mean Girls

by Hannah Garcia

Photo Credit: hollywoodreporter.com

“ I'm sorry that people are so jealous of me... but I can't help it that I'm so popular.” -Gretchen from Mean Girls

Mean Girls may be 10 years old this week, but that doesn’t mean that its popularity has shrunk. In fact, this what may seem an “ancient” movie to most of today’s teens is still the internets most frequently watched movie and most popular slumber party chick flick.

The film that started as “featuring Lindsay Lohan and three other girls” has now turned into “featuring Rachel McAdams, Amanda Syfreid, and that girl who went to rehab.”

While Some of us have favorite scenes from Mean Girls,  favorite characters, favorite outfits, favorite glances, or even favorite “fetch” items, there are those who can recite the whole thing word for word. Ten years later, Tina Fey‘s hilarious high school satire is still trendy as ever.

“I can still remember the first time that I watched Mean Girls.” Freshman Monica Beiler stated. “I had a bunch of my friends over and we didn’t want my mom to know we were watching. We laughed the entire time

What makes this film so incredibly desirable to teenagers across America? Perhaps it is the fact that Lindsay Lohan, the famous child actress finally went from sweet innocent Lohan to badass superstar in the course of one year.

Tina Fey and Rosalind Wiseman co-wrote the screenplay, based on Wiseman’s book “Queen Bees and Wannabes.” Upon its release in 2004, the buzz about the trailer was the only thing that could be talked about at the tables in most high school lunch rooms.

“When the movie finally came out, all of my girlfriends and I headed to the theatre.” Sophomore Hannah Birk explained. “The movie was even better than expected.”

                                 

On April 30, the film is expected to be played by some major movie theaters across America, broadcast continuously on television, and played in the homes of millions to celebrate everything the Mean Girls fans love about the movie.

“I will be in my room watching Means girls until I can’t stand it any longer.” Freshman Ali Bergren explained.

If Mean Girls isn’t enough for you, then perhaps the release of a very special line of  jewelry for you and your own gang of Plastics is.

According to People Magazine,  the Los Angeles-based jewelry company Stella and Bow is introducing a Burn Book collection, and finally giving the best film ever the accessory line it so rightly deserves.

Mean Girls Jewelry Line
Photo Credit: hollywoodreporter.com

With phrases like “that so fetch” and “Wednesday,” the launch of this Mean Girl jewelry line is sure to be a success.

“Most all of our favorite movies have been capitalized upon, via clothing, home goods, fashion accessories, etc … except for Mean Girls.”  Stella and Bow told the Hollywood Reporter in an interview last month. “For its 10th anniversary, we wanted to pay homage to our favorite movie, which has provided countless hours of entertainment and fun.”

Most would agree that this classic film simply will never go out of date, and most certainly will remain a favorite in the hearts of all chick-flick lovers.

“This is the movie that I can relate to, and I know that may sound funny.” Freshman Amelia St. James said. “There are just those films that never get old, and Mean Girls is one of them.”

Mean Girls Fan Page: http://www.fanpop.com/clubs/mean-girls

A Lesson Well Learned: Life in the dangerous eyes of Justin Ryder

by Hannah Garcia

Massachusetts summer breeze, windows rolled down, and the sound of his baby cruising along the wide open road made all of his worries disappear.

Justin Ryder was living the dream riding in his brand new baby blue Mustang, laughing with his friends late last summer.

“The day was perfect, I had just bought my first car and basically lived in it,” Ryder said. “Nothing made me happier than cruising with my friends on a hot summer day.”

Ryder has always had a passion for sports cars. From an early age he would follow his father into the shop, intently watching him get his hands greasy, drinking a cold beer, and living every man’s dream.  

Justin Ryder's 1995 Mustang Cobra
Photo Credit: Justin Ryder 

“My dad worked on cars, my uncles worked on cars, cars were just part of my family,” Ryder explained. “This car meant everything to me, I never expected that I would lose it.”

On June 11, just short of a month of having his car, Ryder’s car was involved in a freak accident causing him to lose his Mustang.

“I was just driving down the highway enjoying my afternoon.” Ryder said. “It wasn’t until I exited that I saw the smoke cloud coming from the hood of my Mustang.”

Reaching down to push the cooling button, Justin realized how incredibly hot the front of the car was.

Smoke blowing everywhere, Ryder and his friends knew they had to get his Mustang off of the road.

“We pulled into the 7/11 and Justin was like, ‘Guys get out of the car right now!’” Passenger Brendan MacDonald explained. “We all jumped out and ran as fast as we could.”

Just moments later, Ryder’s beautiful baby blue Mustang went up in flames.

“All of the sudden I looked up, and there in my parking lot were a couple of young kids running around like crazy, car a blazin” Store manager Tommy Smolan said. “I didn’t really know what to do.”

Smolan called the fire department just as Ryder burst into the store yelling and screaming for a fire extinguisher.

“I watched as my most prize possession slipped away.” Ryder exclaimed. “Nothing was as heartbreaking as the sight of the black skeleton of my Mustang sitting there lifeless.”

According to Justin’s father, Ken Ryder, the previous owner of the car incorrectly installed the cooling fan causing the engine to overheat and catch fire.

“That’s the thing when you buy used cars, you never know what you are going to get.” Ken Ryder explained. “I was just glad that my son was safe.”

Since the day of the accident, Ryder has learned to cherish life in a completely different way. Appreciating every moment that is given to him, and a true believer of living in the “now” he still continues to expand on his love for cars.

“I almost died.” Ryder said. “If I would have been in that car for two more minutes we would have been dead. I have learned to cherish every moment given to me.”

Along with his new aspect on life, Ryder has also made the decision to rebuild his Mustang.

Mustang After Fire
Photo Credit: Justin Ryder

“I wasn’t going to let just one accident stop me.”  Said Ryder. “I will get back on that open road, only this time, I will know that my new Mustang is the perfect product of my own hands.”  

Click here to see: Justin's Mustang on Fire

A Tough Battle to Fight

Speaker inspires students to keep calm in the real world

By: Hannah Garcia

We all remember the day that Lance Armstrong parted from the LIVESTRONG foundation, a day of mixed emotions, relief, and heavy hearts. But nothing compared to what the LIVESTRONG foundation endured.

 

Rae Bazzare
Credit: Twitter

Armstrong’s name will most certainly go down in history, and while he may be on the road to recovery, he left quite a mess that he left his foundation to clean up after him.

  As medical technology advances, and other competing organizations take the lead, the LIVESTRONG Foundation is running a tight race to solidify their new image now that Armstrong is out of the picture.

“It has been difficult separating ourselves from the mess that Lance has created.” Rae Bazzarre told an eager audience Wednesday at High Point University. “It is all about keeping a positive attitude.”

On April 2, Rae Bazzarre responded to an ambitious crowd of college students in Phillips 120 as a part of High Point University’s Communication week lecture series. She explained in depth just how the LIVESTRONG foundation dealt with the public in regards to the Armstrong controversy.  

Bazzarre is a communications expert with more than 15 years of experience in media relations and public affairs, specializing in the area of non-profit organizations. Recently named PR Week’s “40 Under 40,” Bazzarre is paving the road for the next generation of communicators in hopes to inspire others in the field.

As Director of Communications & External Affairs for the LIVESTRONG Foundation, Bazzarre has built and executed a crisis communication and rapid response plan to assist the organization during the past few years.

“Because of the drug allegations, the image of LIVESTRONG has been tarnished.” Bazzarre explained. “It has taken until now to finally re-brand our image, but I like this company and know it will still be successful because of how we dealt with the situation.”

Bazzarre went on to explain how although the company experienced extremely negative feedback in recent years, the foundation is now campaigning to re-establish their image by using the patients and survivors as a focus of the foundation.

LIVESTRONG has helped more than 2,800,000 cancer victims since the start of the company, and many believe the success stories of those who went through the foundation far outweigh the selfish choices of one man.

“I felt that Rae’s advice on staying calm during stressful situations is something that I can apply to every area of my life,” said freshman Connor Gordon. “I would have left the company if it was me, but I guess there is a way to deal with all types of conflict.”

Rae Bazzare at High Point University 

One of the key focuses of Bazzarre’s lecture was internally re-branding so that the general public takes notice. The company made this apparent by switching the foundation’s name from the Lance Armstrong Foundation to the LIVESTRONG Foundation after Armstrong stepped down. This portrayed the company in a new light, and lead to the revival of the organization.

“In my personal opinion, LIVESTRONG is rejuvenated,” said senior Annie Bergman. “I feel hopeful for the company. Their main purpose is to serve the people and they are doing everything they can do to get that message across. Who can argue with that?”

He Got What He Deserved

Juan Pablo Galavis leaves Bachelor viewers stunned.

By: Hannah Garcia

Juan Pablo Galavis
Photo Credits: ABC

To top off one of the crappiest seasons in the history of “The Bachelor,” viewers got a finale which was surprisingly unromantic, incredibly frustrating, and chock full of moments that made us want to throw something directly at Juan Pablo Galavis, this season’s bachelor.

Host Chris Harrison summed up the finale by saying there will be a run on televisions because so many viewers probably threw something at their televisions and broke them. Juan Pablo may have made his mark as the most unappealing bachelor in history, and those didn’t already feel that way before the finale probably do now.

 The first big red flag in the finale was when contestants Nikki Farrell and Clare Crawley met Galavis’ family. This is usually a time for the contestants to win over the family, but in this season, things took a slightly different turn.

Galavis’ parents seemed to love both girls, but had very few positive things to say about their son. In fact, they went on to explain that Galavis is no prize.

 In the finale they mentioned that he is selfish, stubborn and “pretty ready” for marriage. This undoubtedly made both Farrell and Crawley feel very secure in their hope to engage Galavis.

 "How much fighting can you take? Because Juan Pablo, I love the guy, he's a really great guy, but sometimes when things are getting rough, he walks away from the relationship," one of Galavis’ relatives explained on live television to Crawley. "How will you deal with that?"

On Galavis and Crawley’s last date, Crawley was expecting nothing less than holding hands, picking flowers, and lots of cuddling. However, Galavis had something different in mind. Instead, he waited for the cameras to leave and pulled Clare aside to explain to her that he really isn’t that into her but loved “doing her.” Clare did not think this is cute, but was deeply offended.

“It was insulting, degrading, and made me feel awful,” said Crawley.

That evening Crawley sat down to discuss how hurtful his comment was, which lead to Galavis’ weird, circular, non-answering method that is so extremely exhausting to viewers. They ended the date by making out, which is not a good sign after Galavis basically told her he only liked her for sex.

 Nikki Farrell also had her last date with Galavis, which ended up in a steamy make out session. There was no intimate connection, deep conversations, or true spark between the two. It was the same old same physicality.

“When watching Juan Pablo make out with both contestants on the same day right before he is supposed to choose a woman, I already knew the season was doomed,” loyal ‘Bachelor’ viewers Allie Kopak explained. “Juan Pablo had no idea what he wanted, and still doesn’t.”

Juan Pablo and Clare Crawley saying goodbye
Photo Credit: ABC

 At the final Rose Ceremony, Galavis began by kicking Crawley off the island. He told her that she was an amazing woman and he is glad they talked things out, before moving in for a goodbye hug. Crawley immediately pushed him away, and finally the audience cheered with happiness.

Clare was nothing short of livid by this point, because she felt that their conversations about babies and a future were reflective of an engaged couple.

“I’ve lost respect for you,” Clare huffed. “Look what you have made me go through. I wouldn’t want my children having a father like you!”

Galavis’ reaction?

“Whoa – am I glad I didn’t choose her,” Galavis said. “She’s crazy!”

(Way to make yourself look like even more of an asshole, Galavis. Kudos to you for keeping it classy.)

That left Nikki Farrell as the lucky one to receive a heartfelt proposal, right? That is another story.

Galavis told Farrell that he liked her, but wasn’t giving her a ring and wasn’t going to tell her he loved her because he is “honest.”

 Viewers are ready to toss up their white flags at this point. After all, the only reason we watch this show is for the romance!

Juan Pablo and Nikki Farrell
Photo Credit: ABC

 During the “After the Rose” episode, Galavis ended by letting the general public know that he still was not in love with Nikki Farrell, and there are no future plans for engagement.

 “I seriously would have listened to Juan Pablo’s parents and ran.” Kopack explained. “This season of the bachelor was a complete waste of my time.”

A Whole New Jason

Jason Derulo's new album gives us everything.

The day is almost here and students are teeming with excitement.

It’s what they have all been waiting for, singing to, and bobbin’ their heads to for the past month and a half: one more month until Jason Derulo releases his hit album to the public.

It is as if Derulo came out of nowhere. Sure, we had heard his songs on the radio, (after all he has achieved Top 5 singles multiple times.) But his new song, “Talk Dirty to Me,” has sparked the attention of teens and young adults across the nation.

Jason Derulo's "Talk Dirty" album cover

Photo Credit: contactmusic.com

In 2012, after releasing his first album, Derulo suffered a near death experience which lead to the cancelling of a tour, which hindered the general public from really getting to know the singer.

Fully healed, he’s now announced the release of his new album which shares the name of its biggest hit, “Talk Dirty.” But the most important thing about the “New Derulo” is his seize-the-day outlook on life as a result of his experiences that are more than apparent in his tracks. 

“That one experience helped me to grow up in a second, I was on autopilot,” Derulo said in an interview with MTV last month.” I was just literally going through the motions.When that kind of thing is taken away from you, you realize how much you appreciate what you love doing and who you love."

                                                 

According to Derulo “Talk Dirty” represents a bridge between his past and his future, and giving the world a true taste of his personality, which excites fans even more.

This album is said to encompass both ends of the Derulo spectrum. With the first single already released, “Marry Me” taps into the emotional and sophisticated side of his personality, revealing a whole new side.

"A lot of the album is fun, a lot of it is upbeat, feel-good music, but there is an emotional portion to the album too; it morphs in a lot of different ways," he explained in an interview with People earlier this week.

If that isn’t enough news for you, this should be: Derulo’s next stop is High Point University. If students weren’t excited for his new album, then they are ecstatic that in two short weeks, they will have a VIP concert experience of a lifetime.

“When I found out that the spring concert this year was Jason Derulo, I screamed in my roommates face,” said Shiloh Barry, a freshman at HPU. “I am going to do everything that I can do to personally meet him.”

Barry represents just one of the many enthusiastic students, and with only ten days remaining until the concert, they can hardly sit still.

To visit the Official Jason Derulo Website click here.

New Beginnings

Hannah Garcia enjoying a peaceful afternoon in the mountains.

By: Hannah Garcia

Standing at the top of Volcano Arenal was something Hannah Garcia imagined herself doing only in her wildest dreams.

Garcia’s dreams became a reality when her parents surprised her with a trip to Costa Rica last summer when they spent two weeks exploring the jungles, living with the locals, and creating lifetime memories.

“Traveling outside of the United States was something I had dreamt about since a young age but never thought would happen before college,” Hannah Garcia said. “The things that I experienced down in Costa Rica make my everyday life seem ordinary and boring now.”

Horseback riding, waterfall rappelling, zip lining through the jungle- Garcia is by no means afraid to do the daring. The question remains: what’s next in her wild world of travelling adventures?

“Upon arriving home from Costa Rica, I immediately felt the need for travel,” Garcia explained. “ I want to go back, to go more places, and to see even more.”

Her passion for travelling didn’t just start now. Since she was a baby, Garcia was on the move. Travelling from state to state with her parents, her childhood held no dull moment.

“We wanted to give our family the opportunity to travel on a regular basis,” Paige Garcia said in a phone interview last Thursday. “My husband and I have always felt that moving and being nomadic travellers has given our children the opportunity to become well rounded individuals, and has exposed them to many unique experiences in life.”

In 2003, Garcia moved for the first time. Only eight at the time, moving from Colorado to Wyoming was the last thing that she wanted to do. What she thought would be a nightmare turned into an experience where she learned more about herself than she had ever known before.

“Moving for the first time was the hardest thing I have ever done. Nobody likes being the new kid,” Garcia noted. “I wanted to shrink away from the rest of the world. I never knew that moving would change my life in such a dramatic way and only increase my passion to travel.”

Although the move was difficult, nobody could foresee the change of events that would occur in the coming. In 2007, Garcia moved again to Minnesota. Eighth grade stuck up girls, bullies, and new faces; this was something that Garcia never wanted to endure again, but was forced to.

“I thought moving was rough the first time, but when it came to moving to Minnesota, things really started to fall apart,” said Garcia. “Being as difficult as it was however, moving was becoming less of a chore and more of a hobby.”

For some, starting over is the last thing that they want, but for Garcia, it brings new adventures and opens up a world of possibilities.

According to Webster’s Dictionary, Wanderlust is a strong desire for or impulse to wander or travel and explore the world. If there is one thing that Garcia lusts, it is to travel.

“I have grown to love the word wanderlust, “ Garcia adds “I believe  that that word describes me perfectly. I have a passion, an ache, and a need to travel.”

Since her trip to Costa Rica, Garcia has started her own blog, "The Quest for Serendipity- Happy findings in life’s simplest forms," based on the adventures of others. 

In addition to the blog, Garcia applied for a semester abroad in Spain where she will explore her passion more in depth.

“I figure that there is no better time to travel than right now,” Garcia adds. “I am young and free and I want the rest of the world to know my passion for this earth and all that it has to offer.”