Extra credit review. A review of music's message from today and yesterday

Have you ever gotten yelled at by someone from a different era for listening to one of your favorite artists? "Turn that down, I don't want to hear that crap!" This often happens when Lil Wayne talks about "hoes" or Suicide Silence sings about drugs. Yes, it's true these kinds of topics are not the best but why don't you ask this person to play a song from when they were younger. Ask those from the '60s and '70s to play something like "Purple Haze" by Jimi Hendrix or "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" by Michael Jackson. Ask them what those songs talk about. It will be interesting to hear what they have to say. Today's music usually involves talks of money, drugs/alcohol, and sex but hey, so did the music back then.


Over time, music's style has changed but its infamous stories haven't. Both songs from today and even all the way back to the 60's have the same messages, today's music is just a little less discreet about it. Take for example the theme of drug usage in the song "I Feel Like Dying" by rap artist, Lil Wayne. This song explores the feelings of taking drugs such as, marijuana, prescription pills, or cough syrup and the feeling of when all of the drugs are gone. Compare this song with "Mother's Little Helper" by The Rolling Stones. This song tells a story of a mother who becomes more and more reliant on pills, the mother's little helper, to the point where she is unable to stay attached to her life and eventually overdoses. The message in The Rolling Stones' song is hidden behind the code name of "mother's little helper" but the drugs and darkness are still here. It's no different nor better than Lil Wayne's lyrics. 

Another example most object is sex or sex appeal. Heart's "Crazy On You" is identical to Sean Paul's "(When You Gonna) Give It Up To Me." Both songs convey a sexual desire towards the opposite sex. Sean Paul and Heart base the mentioned songs around a night of pleasure as if nothing else matters. Heart tries to hint that it is the emotion of "sweet flowing love" that "kept [her] alive" but one can easily discover what really occurred that night. Sean Paul had no problem revealing the true meaning of his song toHeeb Magazine but he added, "-it's about saying it with tact. It's not wilin' out. It can play on the radio. I'm thinking about my son when I am writing this too, you know." Well, I guess "You know you got the sinting inna me pants a develop" is "not wilin' out" but let's be honest, his plans for the night are evident.



The point is, unless your this person is an active gospel listeners, chances are they listened to the same music as a child. The themes of sex, drugs, and rock and roll may be disguised as something like a "mother's little helper," but it's still there. The singers/songwriters back then were just able to use the art of language, i.e. Symbolically and metaphorically, more strategically to avoid controversy with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). I for one prefer the older tunes and their symbols. Adults believe that because the beats of the music have sped up and artists have become more open about their message that the new music is an assault to the ears. Well think again Mom and Dad. Adults now grew up in a time of drug exploration where there were fewer restrictions and more tripping. They're not such angels after all. So next time you're in the car and your parent starts to play "Welcome To the Jungle" by Guns N' Roses, you can tell them "Turn that down, I don't want to hear that crap!" (Really, please do, there's better musicians from that time.)

Movie Review: Pitch Perfect

Pitch Perfect

In the film Pitch Perfect viewers will meet an eager, upcoming DJ on her journey and struggle to stick with her first year of college. The movie displays how when people come together despite differences and opinions, the best things can happen.

Jason Moore’s, Pitch Perfect (2012,) scored a solid $5,149,433 on its opening weekend. This romantic, musical comedy starring Beca (Anna Kendrick,) Chloe (Brittany Snow,) Aubrey (Anna Camp,) and Jesse (Skyler Astin) had the box office roaring.

There hasn’t been a funnier teen film since Mark Waters’s Mean Girls. Pitch Perfect stole the show with the perfect balance of romance, music, and comedy. The main character Beca is cajoled into joining the Bellas, an all-girl singing group. Through this group, Beca experiences many struggles, gains new relationships, and finds the good in the bad.
The Romance sparks as Beca (Anna Kendrick) reluctantly explores a forbidden relationship with Jesse (Skyler Astin) who is a part of a rival singing group. The two meet through a music program and the relationship takes many twists and turns before finally being settled, which is for you to discover on your own. Rebel Wilson (Fat Amy) lights up the stage with her outrageously funny persona. Her outspokenness in clothes-stripping performances and sarcastic confessions will leave you breathless, from laughing too much that is. Lastly, the musical aspect of the movie is phenomenal. Both boys and girls solos, choreography, and song selections were outstanding. With a mixture of classics and modern music, the romantic-comedy is made complete.

Pitch Perfect will have you in tears and stitches… of laughter! Get out and see this romantic, musical comedy. You won’t be disappointed.

Daily Post: Madam Alec's Horoscopes

Madam Alec’s Horoscopes
Aries 3/21 - 4/19
You’ve been experiencing some bumps in the road lately, but today the fog will clear. Though you may not recognize it right away Karma is on your side. Expect a clear bright path ahead as your relationships strengthen and goals are achieved.

Taurus 4/20 - 5/20
You may be feeling very social today, this is not normal for you. Use this to your advantage and speak up. Mention that raise you’ve been thinking about to your boss. Socialize at the coffee shop. The possibilities are endless with newly found confidence.

Gemini 5/21 - 6/21
You’ve been admiring someone from afar for quite some time. It’s time to take action. Don’t fear rejection Gemini, just start a simple conversation. Let things run their course and if it seems appropriate, suggest a coffee date.

Cancer 6/22 - 7/22
Creativity has struck you in the workplace and at home. Take this opportunity to make some major changes, Cancer. Expand and excel your work. Express yourself through a bright new color or design in your living space. Seize the day.

Leo 7/23 - 8/22
Simplicity is golden to you, Leo. The smallest things amaze you. Find the beauty in everything today and share it with others. Your peers will be grateful for your enlightenment.

Virgo 8/23 - 9/22
Those around you may be feeling quite emotional. Do not be surprised if their reactions are quite dramatic. Console and comfort them. However, do not let their mood spread into yours. Lead by example and stay positive in a time of grief.

Libra 9/23 - 10/22
A big project is cluttering your mind leaving you unable to focus. Take a break, Libra. Step away for a few hours or even a day if possible. Take care of your other priorities so that your mind is clear. Once completed, return to your work and finish strong.

Scorpio 10/23 - 11/21
Today is the day to trust your inner voice. You often undermine these decisions because they do not appear logical. Swallow your pride today, Scorpio. You may not understand these motives but that’s okay. You don’t have to.

Sagittarius 11/22 - 12/21
A certain tie you hold is going to be tested today. Be care of traps or scams, Sagittarius. It’s very likely that your actions are being watched. Stay on your toes and think thoroughly before you act or speak.

Capricorn 12/22 - 1/19
Keep your eyes and mind open to hidden messages today, Capricorn. These signs may be vague but they hold deep meaning. Review your dreams and day dreams, they hold a bigger picture to guide you.

Aquarius 1/20 - 2/18
Today is the day to sort out your schedule, Aquarius. You are mentally stable in a time of confusion. This will assist you in figuring out how to accomplish everything.

Pisces 2/19 – 3/20
Positive energy is vital for you at this time, Pisces. Those around you are taking off in their careers, homes, and social lives. Here is where your sponge-like tendencies will come in handy. Surround yourself with these successful and strong willed people. You will soon begin to absorb their doings and become motivated to push yourself forward as well.

Editorial: Dress Code Corruption Alec and Emily

A popular issue in today’s public schools is the dress code. This is the one issue that school administrations, students, and parents cannot come to an equal agreement about. Schools claim modesty, students claim self-expression, and parents seem to divide between the two. Schools state “their school, their rules” while students claim their tax paying family should have the final say.

Many schools deny that their dress code is based on the fact that certain revealing items can be “distracting to other students”. Despite their denial most people know that schools think that way and that they genuinely feel that a girl exposing her shoulder by wearing a tank top is distracting to the school environment when it truly has nothing to do with school. Many school officials come up with ridiculous reasons for why their dress codes are so harsh but it all comes down to the fact that many administrators don’t like students being able to express themselves and attempt to force them to not be who they are. Whether they like to admit it or not, school administrators are enforcing ridiculous dress codes that have nothing to do with school at all.

Through the dress code students are looking to express themselves and fit in. Students are not coming to school dressing the way that they do because they want to stop other from learning. The two factors do not coincide what so ever. School is a place for children to be themselves and strive to be the best they can be in their own manner. If schools are denying them the right to be themselves with something as little as a revealed shoulder or sarcastic print, what else are they restricting? Another issue is the School’s temperature. Students spend a large part of their year in school so they dress accordingly to the weather. Some schools fail to provide a cool environment during the spring/summer months and students are still forced to abide by the dress code, dress codes that leave them feeling uncomfortably warm. There’s larger issues at hand than a student being “distracted” from learning.

The only answer to dress code issues in schools is to either provide an environment where the students can where clothes that are deemed “appropriate” by the school, or to allow students to wear what they want. Obviously shirts that expose a person’s entire stomach are not appropriate for any situation dealing with school but most shirts worn by students aren’t inappropriate in any way. What it comes down to is that schools have no right to tell their students how to dress if they can’t even make it so that their students are comfortable in the school.

Everybody's doing it; A Generation at Risk

Sue Wilson, a local suburban mom, is taking new precautions in her bathroom after her son was rushed to the emergency room. This wasn’t a broken bone visit, this was a visit to save her son, Jack’s, life after he over dosed on prescription medication.

Every day 2,500 youth abuse prescription drugs. “It’s a growing problem. They’re easy to access and easy to use,” states Sue. The concerned mom is now locking up all of her medications and keeping count of her pills in each bottle. “I am doing everything I can to make sure that Jack and I will never experience that day again.”

It all started off as a normal day, Sue dropped Jack off at school and was on her way to work. Jack walked home after school and later in the evening Sue returned home with the groceries. “I called up to Jack and asked what he wanted for dinner. He didn’t reply but at the time I thought nothing of it, I figured he had his head phones in or something,” Sue explained.

After she finished up dinner Sue called to him again but still received no reply. At this moment she knew something was wrong, “If he didn’t hear me he at least would’ve smelt dinner. Jack’s a big eater.” Sue laughed. She ran up the steps and without delay barged into his room. “No mother would ever be prepared to see what I saw next,” explained Sue. There was her 17 year old son, passed out on the bed with an empty pill bottle next to him. Jack was unconscious.

The 4’11 foot mom was unable to lift her 5’9 foot son so she dialed 911. “I don’t remember anything except waking up with IVs in my arm and my mom crying next to me. Everyone was trying it, I guess I just didn’t know my limits,” Jack explained. Doctors were doubtful about Jack’s recovery but his mother wasn’t. “The mix of emotions I felt when he opened his eyes was unbelievable. I just think if I hadn’t come home on time, if I hadn’t gone up stairs right away, where would we be?” Sue questioned. The hospital was able to pump the drug out of Jack’s blood flow and he was able to recover in 2 hospital days.

The Wilsons were very fortunate. Roughly, 22,400 drug overdose deaths occurred in the US last year and the numbers are increasing. Parents are encouraged to take precautions. One can deny their child’s usage but it’s out there and it’s happening. “Don’t just assume your Honor Roll student uses their brains all the time. You never know what you’ll come home to. Keep your child and those around them safe,” Sue added. Keep your bottles labeled and counted. Prescription medicine sales are on the rise along with the over doses. Our teens do not fully understand the risks so set out to educate the youth to put a stop to prescription drug abuse. Everyone won’t be as lucky as the Wilsons.

Hard News

Emily Fredericks
Hard News

A newly reformed, local band, For All of This is currently recording a music video around the South jersey area for their new song "Snyder Ave."

The band recently lost a few members due to other priorities. However, just as the band lost two members, they've easily gained three other potential members.

"I'm happy we've cut ties with unnecessary ends and we can now, seriously, focus on our new stuff," says For All of This lead singer, Frank Cipriani.

The band recently recorded their first new song, "Snyder Ave" and are in the process of making its music video. "We've taken a turn for the better, and this song and video will prove that," says lead guitarist Trent Amos.

The video will consist of band members and friends "-having fun. It's all about our friendship and [stuff,]" describes Amos.

Producer, Tyler Scharle, believes the video should be completed by the end of May. “There’s so much to include and we’re having so much fun along the way. We don’t want the process to end but we won’t keep you waiting much longer,” explained Scharle.

The group is traveling through their home town and all around South Jersey to include land marks and meaningful places for local fans to connect with. The video is “for those who have supported [the band] from the beginning and know where [they] started,” described Cipriani.

This next step for the band is a chance for the members to spread their name and gain new fans.

You defiantly need to read this… definitely*

What would one do without spell/grammar check? Forget trying to remember your third grade grammar lessons and spelling lists, spell check has your back. Or does it? Think about it, your typing a resume, texting a cute guy, finishing that 10 page research paper… what are you doing? You're running a grammar and spell check on Microsoft Word. You're relying on your smart phone to give you a replacement word. Sadly, we all trust this system with our reputation. Instead of acquiring knowledge of the english language we become lazy and leave it up to this software.

The problem is, this system is not always correct. Anyone who uses an iPhone, hopefully, knows that defiantly is not the same as definitely. For the Microsoft Word users, commas are a must in the middle of EVERY sentence. Spell check will often times try to guess what you're going to type next or what you "meant" but only we know… not the program.

It's not all the time that this happens but our culture has become so reliant on this system that it controls us and we trust it more than our english teach, who went to school for many years melting these rules into their brain mind you. I know i have received numerous letters that my school carelessly sent out with out looking over it themselves. Spell and grammar check are marvelous things to lend a helping "optional" hand but one must not let it control their basic knowledge. Or this might happen…

http://whohasthelastword.com/why-spell-check-does-not-always-work

Do not rely only on a software that will allow you to make a fool out of yourself by throwing in a surprise foe for for when you apply for the manager position. Check multiple sources!