Issue date: 4/20/07 Section: Opinion

Note from the Editor: Upon investigating alleged plagiarism within Jamie France's column, she is no longer a member of the DP staff. The DP does not tolerate plagiarism in any form, and sincerely regrets the situation.



As my first year of college comes to an end and I look back on all that I've experienced - the ups, the downs, the good times and bad - I can't help but think to myself: My god, how many all-nighters did I pull?

I knew they would be inevitable. The trend of putting off schoolwork till after dinner, after a lengthy nap, and after The O.C. became more and more popular as my high school career progressed. And as all the glittering teen media would have it, all-nighters are supposed to happen in college. They're the ultimate college-work-ethic stereotype. But it wasn't until I sat here in deep reflection that I realized they're more than just a stereotype. They're a way of life.

As we stare into the face of death (aka final exam week), I've decided to devote my final column to that which has facilitated so many sleepless nights for college students near and far; that which will continue to be there for us through the ups, the downs, the good times and bad; and that which has been my personal savior:

Caffeine.

It has come to my attention that caffeine, after being viewed with suspicion for years, is starting to make a serious comeback. Word of its newfound health benefits has been circulating in newspapers and the Web for the past couple of weeks. Evidently, there's new proof that caffeine defends against diabetes, Parkinson's disease, asthma symptoms, post-workout soreness, and even hunger pangs.

So, in light of this most-welcomed revelation, I've decided to share with you the knowledge that could carry you through the rest of the semester. Cut it out and stick it on your fridge:

The top eight most popular and most effective sources of caffeine, with - as an added bonus - the fewest calories.

1. Diet Coke: The only diet, caffeinated beverage you can get in Van Pelt after Mark's Cafe closes, thanks to the 24-hour vending machine. A standard can contains 45 mg of caffeine, 0 calories, various flavorings and colorings, and not much else.

2. Water Joe: The perfect fix for the closet-caffeine addict. The only ingredients are artesian water and caffeine; no additives, no carbonation. I can't say I've tried it, nor does it sound very appealing, but a 16.9-oz. bottle contains 60 mg of caffeine and, as could be expected, 0 calories.

3. Red Bull: This shouldn't be surprising. An 8-oz. can provides you with 80 mg of caffeine and 110 calories. It contains carbonated water, artificial flavors and colors, some vitamin B, and loads of sugar. "Red Bull gives you wings!"

4. Tab Energy: The energized version of Coca-Cola's original low-calorie cola brand, TaB; however, it's not a cola product. Fashion Week Daily describes it as a "sweet and sour beverage" with a flavor "reminiscent of a liquid Jolly Rancher." A 10.5-oz. can contains 95 mg of caffeine and only 5 calories.

5. Enviga: The sparkling green tea that's "proven" to help you burn calories, yet somehow has sparked a mess of lawsuits and investigations of this very claim. Regardless, a 12-oz. can contains 100 mg of caffeine and 5 calories, plus 20 percent of the suggested daily value of calcium.

6. Rocket Chocolates: For the chocoholic in all of us, these candies have more boost than a standard cup of coffee. One piece of Rocket Chocolate contains 150 mg of caffeine and 70 calories. They come in flavors like mint, toffee latte, peanut butter and mocha latte, and they're individually wrapped so you can stash a few in your pocket.

7. Starbucks Coffee: My euphoria. Sure, it's commercialized and potentially even overrated, but the fact is there are two Starbucks on campus, one right next to the library, and their coffee will keep you awake. One tall (12-oz.) cup of plain coffee contains 280 mg of caffeine and 0 calories; of course the latter varies with what you add to your drink. Starbucks' brew averages twice the caffeine of a standard 8-oz. cup of coffee, so take advantage.

8. Spike Shooter: Desperate times call for desperate measures. I've personally never heard of it, but any 8.4-oz .can that can house 300 mg of caffeine without a single calorie has my approval. Note the label that reads, "Don't drink if under 18," and "Drink only half a can at a time."

I realize that columns about stimulants usually end with a disclaimer about not abusing them ... but who are we kidding?

Happy studying!

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Jamie France is a College freshman from Plantation, Fla. Her e-mail address is france@dailypennsylvanian.com. La Petite Freshman appears on Fridays.

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