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Daily dose of caffeine poses hidden risks

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By Jared Murray and Gwen Galeza

To some it is a mere drink, to others it is an elixir of energy for the long day ahead. Coffee has become a regular part of many students’ and teachers’ lives, whether for good or bad.

“I like coffee because it is warm and it tastes good,” said sophomore Sharon Jecker.

While students drink coffee for different reasons, they all agreed on one thing: the possible negative side effects do not matter.

“There are no negative side effects,” joked senior Ryan Clark.

According to medical website WebMD.com, caffeinated coffee, while a stimulant, is safe for most adults in moderation. Drinking multiple cups a day, however, may cause nervousness, anxiety or even caffeine addiction.

Even though senior Shelby Stephens loves coffee, she feels the side effects of coffee depend on the person and their drinking habits.

“Sometimes when I drink too much coffee after 3 p.m. it’s difficult for me to fall asleep at a decent hour, but it does ensure enough energy to get school work done,” she added.

Many teachers also enjoy coffee themselves, but some go beyond the recommended amount daily.

“I have drink coffee multiple times a day,” said social studies teacher Trent McNeeley, who has been known for drinking coffee since high school. McNeeley said he enjoys the flavor of coffee and that caffeine does not effect him like it used to.

Science teacher Beth Fitzgerald also mentioned that caffeine is not as potent to her as it once was, despite drinking “throughout the day.” Fitzgerald, who has been drinking coffee since she was 14, said that coffee is a family affair, with it being a part of family meals.

While some may find refuge in the thought of decaffeinated coffee, it still has its risks. Steadyhealth.com reports decaffeinated coffee is highly acidic and can aggravate pre-existing health problems like ulcers or heartburn.

The side effects of coffee are well known to both students and adults, but neither seem to care as long as it tastes good.

“Teenagers have different metabolisms than adults. It is more impactful on
younger people,” said McNeeley, who feels that coffee effects high schoolers differently than it affects adults

“Coffee can be bad for any age group if it is consumed irresponsibly, but I find it to be a safe way to stay motivated throughout the day, especially when you have a lot on your plate,” concluded Stephens.

A&E

Chart-toppers versus Indie rockers: 2012 Grammy Predictions

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By Jared Murray 

This year’s Record of the Year category is shaping up to be a battle royal between chart topping artists and indie folk bands. The coveted Record of the Year award goes to the producers of the song, whereas the Song of the Year award goes to the songwriters. Nominees for this award include Adele, Katy Perry, Bruno Mars, Mumford and Sons and Bon Iver.

Record of the Year marks one of three awards Adele’s gospel-tinged thumper “Rolling in the Deep” has accrued at this year’s ceremonies. The song opens with just Adele and a guitar, but soon transforms into a piano-driven, hand clap heavy musical behemoth. This, however, is all background to Adele’s powerful, scorn-ridden vocals, which add a sense of calamity to this excellent track.

Also nominated is Bruno Mars’ number one single “Grenade.” Lyrically, the song tells the tale of unrequited love between Mars and a lady friend, whom he is willing to risk his life for. Sonically, the song features strained, heartbroken vocals from Mars and pulsating synths that add to the emotional strain.

Bon Iver’s “Holocene,” the second single from his Grammy nominated album Bon Iver, Bon Iver, is one of the more indie songs to be nominated in this category. The song opens with guitar on a simple melody and is soon joined by Bon Iver’s idyllic falsetto.  Two minutes in and the song has grown into a wall of sonic bliss, with Iver’s vocals being supported by a march-like drum pattern and more guitars.

While not as popular as their breakout single “Little Lion Man,” “The Cave” by Mumford and Sons managed to nab a nomination for Record of the Year. The song showcases a horn solo that floats over the cascading background of bluegrass-style guitars and lead singer Marcus Mumford’s melancholy vocals.

Last and certainly least to be nominated is Katy Perry’s third hit single “Firework.”  The song starts off with Perry singing lyrics about feeling bad about oneself, but by the chorus the song has morphed into a pulsating, very danceable self-empowerment anthem tailer-made for teenage girls who enjoy singing into their hairbrushes while jumping on their Justin Bieber bedspreads.

My Predictions:

Who will win: Adele

Who should win: Adele

Dark Horse: Bon Iver

A&E

Pop Rocks! : 2012 Grammy Predictions

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By Jared Murray

This year’s Best Pop Solo Performance category is more of a dumping ground for the most popular songs of the year rather than a heated race between the actual best pop songs of the year. Songs nominated in the category include: “Someone Like You” by Adele, “Yoü And I” by Lady Gaga, “Grenade” by Bruno Mars, “Firework” by Katy Perry and “F***in’ Perfect” by P!nk.

British singer Adele has had a record breaking year, both in album sales and chart performance. Her plaintive second single “Someone Like You” garnered her much critical acclaim and commercial success thanks to her large fan base of forlorn teenage girls. Her simple yet emotive performance definitely makes her a contender for the award.

Lady Gaga’s “Yoü And I” finds the pop star in her natural habitat: heartbroken and playing the piano. While that combination may boring to some, the result is truly a genuine sounding pop song from a woman known for being anything but. Featuring some top-notch belting from Gaga, and honky-tonk vibe along with an impressive guitar solo from Queen’s Brian May, “Yoü And I” is not a song to underestimate or sing along with quietly.

Another song about love, “Grenade” by the smooth singing Bruno Mars is the only song sung by a male to be nominated in this category this year. The synth-driven song finds Bruno trying to make his lover feel bad for their lack of dedication in the relationship. Despite the excellent vocals and an irresistible chorus, “Grenade” is unlikely to be a serious contender for the coveted gramophone.

Whether you like it or not, Katy Perry had a stellar year. Her self-empowerment single “Firework” is a delectable slice of dancepop that had everyone singing their heads off. Sadly, even the song’s catchy beat could not save itself from some questionable lyrics (plastic bags, really?) and Katy’s near-yelling vocals in the chorus. Hopefully her nomination was not meant to be serious, especially when looking at many better pop songs having come out last year.

Following the trend of self-love anthems seen this year, P!nk’s “F***kin’ Perfect” is a fun and energetic song from one of pop music’s veterans. Clearly written for her fans, the sometimes electropop song doesn’t have many distinct characteristics to set itself apart from everything else on the radio today, making it an extremely unlikely winner.

My predictions:

Who Will Win: “Someone Like You” by Adele

Who Should Win: “Someone Like You” by Adele

Dark Horse: “Yoü And I” by Lady Gaga

A&E, Danielle Rehor

Rock this Country: 2012 Country Grammy Predictions

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By Danielle Rehor

For starters, let’s just say, Taylor Swift is overrated. The chances of her winning every award are likely, and that embarrasses me. So she shall not be included in this Grammy preview.  With that said, let’s get down to the nitty gritty of the country grammy nominations.

Taylor Swift, Jason Aldean, and Blake Shelton are all tied with three nominations, including Best Country Album. Kenny Chesney with Grace Potter, and newcomers Thompson Square are tied with two.

Best Country Album

Will Win: Own The Night Lady Antebellum

Lady Antebellum’s transition from hearty country to pop country crossovers have won them a whole new fanbase, and in turn caused their music to be played on every station from here to Japan. Currently ranked number fourteen on itunes, this twelve song album, Own the Night, continues in a way that pop-country fans adore.

Should Win: My Kinda Party Jason Aldean

Jason Aldean has been in the music business since 2005, has been known since 2009, and playing guitar since age 15. Up until this album he has won, one major award. He wont Top New Male Vocalist by Academy of Country Music. But his current album has won him eight major awards. His collaboration with season one American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson, “Don’t You Wanna Stay” qualifies as one of his best songs to date and “Dirt Road Anthem” brings the first rap country song. This transition brings a whole new side of country music and it was done with much finesse. this album as a whole embodies his rock infused sound and country music as a whole, hell-raising and everyday blessings included.

Dark Horse: Red River Blue  Blake Shelton

This album should be a shoe-in for the best country album award. Blake Shelton has had a year like no other and this album shows it.  Every song brings something that represents Shelton, as well as chart topping country music.  But the fandom of Lady A over shines this six album, three EP musical masterpiece.

Best Country Song

Will Win: “God Gave Me You“ Blake Shelton

I don’t know if it’s Blake Shelton or Miranda Lambert, but one of them is a good luck charm. Both artists won top entertainer of the year at the Country Music Awards, and their most recent albums continue to blow the compeitition out of the park. Blake Shelton’s ballad to his new wife shows his love and dedication to her in a truly heartfelt, if cheesy way.

Should Win: “You and Tequila” Kenny Chesney  with Grace Potter

This song is perfection…not quite.   Kenny Chesney’s songs tend to revolve around beaches and hot women, and I tend to believe they all sound remarkably similar, but this one is different.  Maybe it’s because he is singing about alcohol or, the more likely of the two, because he has folk rocker, Grace Potter singing with him. Her soft vocals add more to the performance than any amount of beach lyrics.

Dark Horse: “Threaten me with Heaven” Vince Gill

Having won this exact award both in 1992, and in 1995, Vince Gill may seem like a washed-up artist, but with eighteen albums ranging from bluegrass to country pop, to christian music, Gill is incredible. He has 27 Grammies as well, so maybe he isn’t such a dark horse…

Best Country Duo/Group Performance

Will Win: “You and Tequila” Kenny Chesney with Grace Potter

Kenny Chesney’s decision to bring rocker Grace Potter on to this song was a life changer. When asked, Potter didn’t even know who Chesney was, but this collaboration brings a new side to Chesney and his music.

Should Win: “Don’t You Wanna Stay” Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson

The passionate chemistry that “Don’t You Wanna Stay” brings, is unlike any other song of Jason Aldean’s. This song brings a sort of revival for Kelly Clarkson as well. She has done well for herself, but this hit pairs their vocals amazingly well and shows chops I didn’t even know the hard rocker Aldean posessed.

Dark Horse: “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not” Thompson Square

The lyrics do leave a bit to be desired, but this first song for Thompson Square shows the true chemistry between real life couple Keifer and Shawna Thompson.

Best Country Solo Performance

Will Win: “I’m Gonna Love You Through It” By Martina McBride

Having been nominated for 13 Grammys up to this point, the chances of Marina McBride winning this award are high. More than just experience, McBride’s song talks of strength and courage even through the toughest times, exemplified through developing breast cancer.

Should Win: “Honey Bee” Blake Shelton

Further showing great affection to his wife, Miranda Lambert, this song is a classic country song and is found relatable to most country fans.

Dark Horse: “Mama’s Song” Carrie Underwood

This song possesses some great lyrics and shows the importance Carrie Underwood places on family, but because this song wasn’t a single, or played on the radio, so the chances of it winning are slim.