Rising — Cost of America's favorite cola

Back in the good old days, a refreshing ice-cold bottle of Coca-Cola would run you about a nickel, maybe a dime in your pricier districts. Flash forward to 2012, and in some of the markets around campus, Aramark is charging $1.59 for a bottle of soda. Even with inflation, that's ridiculous. Really, it's just downright un-American. What is an afternoon without an enjoyable caffeinated beverage to push you past the 3 p.m. doldrums? What is a college student to do? We recommend the economical approach. Stock up on a 12-pack of your favorite carbonated delight at a local discount store, and grab one to stash in your backpack as you head out the door. Dare to take the thrifty approach to your between-class pick me-up. Let's fight the Aramark monopoly. Silently stick it to the beverage 'man.'

Falling — Temperatures on Rocky Top

As we progress toward the middle of October, temperatures have begun their seasonal plunge. Students are now reaching into the depths of their closets to pull out long-buried scarves, jackets and sweaters. The ever-ubiquitous Ugg boots are making their first appearances of the season. During these transitional weeks of fall, opt for light layers that make it easy to stay comfortable no matter what the day brings. Grab a long cardigan or light hoodie for the cooler morning hours. For an extra shield against the cold weather, we recommend picking up a piping hot cup of coffee or tea for your longer treks to class. It's sure to keep your hands warm and your insides toasty.

Rising — Extreme political opinions

As the election draws near, students channel their inner Ann Coulter to anyone who will listen. These opinions stretch beyond the typical left and right to the point of obsession. This polarization of our political landscape is never a unique process to individuals, but rather it is something that every aspect of our nation gets caught up in. As the election draws closer by the day, the poles to which our nation divides itself become farther and farther away from each other. And what's left in the middle completely ignored? The betterment of our nation. Regardless of who you vote in a few weeks, research and educate yourself on the candidates' opinions. The only thing worse than that obnoxious extremist is an uninformed, loud idiot.

Falling — Staff interest in "Jersey Shore"

The once awesomely guidoed-out MTV hit was a bastion for awful TV and even more memorable moments of stupidity. For four years, the alcohol-fueled adventures of Snookie, JWow, Pauly-D, Vinny and the rest stood on the verge of being both sad and hilarious at the same time. Ultimately, "Jersey Shore" seemed too awful to be real-life. And, unfortunately, the show has finally fallen back to earth, as now — instead of the air of hedonism that permeated every second of the show's previous season — it's burgeoning on actual reality. Instead of a house full of dysfunctional people with no concept of shame, we're now treated to nearly-thirty-something, juiced out alcoholics, ill-prepared pregnant women and former drug addicts. "Jersey Shore" has finally started to reflect the realities of its consequences, and with that the spark is gone.

Rising — Pumpkin-and apple-flavored anything

Put some pumpkin spice on beer, coffee or just about anything, and you've got a profitable product. Dunkin Donuts, Blue Moon and the cafeterias have started throwing pumpkin puree in everything, and no one has complained yet. The overwhelming scent of various artificial flavors makes anything delectable and provides a false sense of autumn. The seasons ain't changed until Starbucks breaks out the pumpkin spice lattes, y'all.