The Avenue - The Independent Florida Alligator

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Sales show computer gaming still has long half-life

By Andrew Wyzan | Feb. 23, 2011

I’ve been hearing about how computer gaming is either dead or has been dying since 2001. And with arguably the smallest audience in the already niche video game industry, I admit it’s kind of shocking that computer games are still around. Even more shocking is that computer gaming had its best year since “Quake” and “Doom” created the first-person shooter.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Local musicians get into their funk

By Tyler Francischine | Feb. 23, 2011

Hide your kids, hide your wife. The Great Snooky Green is taking over.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Record companies rethink strategies as music sales fall

By THOMAS NASSIFF< | Feb. 23, 2011

The beginning of 2011 has signaled almost no signs of positive things to come for the future of the music business. The hope generated from bloated 2010 sales has all but vanished, as Warner Music Group hired investment bank Goldman Sachs to search out potential buyers for the company.

THE AVENUE | FASHION

Fifth Avenue: A look into your sole

By Dana Burke | Feb. 23, 2011

Offer me a few pairs of killer heels or an afternoon with Johnny Depp, and I'm going to have to go with the shoes. Footwear to a fashionista is like a drug: expensive and addicting.

THE AVENUE | FASHION

Lens Flair

By Dana Burke | Feb. 23, 2011

For the latest frills, flair and everything fashion, check out what our lens caught this week.

THE AVENUE | ART AND THEATER

Monkey action: “Serendib” hits the Hipp this weekend

By Brittany Brave | Feb. 23, 2011

Get away and explore foreign terrains without the burden of a suitcase or a passport — you won’t need those. You’re not going far.

THE AVENUE | ART AND THEATER

Fine art fair comes to town this weekend

By Kathleen Boyle | Feb. 23, 2011

With warmer weather indicating spring is just around the corner, it's time to see this winter off with a bang. One way to close out the month is by attending the fourth annual Winter Fine Arts Fair, which takes place at the Tioga Town Center from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The event is free and open to the public.

THE AVENUE | NIGHTLIFE

Basscamp opens The Vault to new club scene

By Carter Lyles. Avenue Contributing Writer | Feb. 23, 2011

They danced with the frantic, jerking movements of a person undergoing a seizure. They danced like their lives depended on it. Women spun glow sticks attached to long strands of wire like medieval flails, and men nodded their heads vigorously to the urgent, chaotic rhythm that pulsated with an intensity normally reserved for a place of worship.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Guide to seasonal fruits and veggies

By Britt Perkins | Feb. 23, 2011

Maybe you're starting to come to terms with the fact that Pop-Tarts are not a good source of fruit. Likewise, fries aren't really a vegetable when it comes to nutrition.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Mourning the loss of a good University Avenue deal

Feb. 23, 2011

“Two slices of pepperoni to go, please.”

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Spring has sprung: Fruits and veggies for the season

By Britt Perkins | Feb. 23, 2011

Maybe you’re starting to come to terms with the fact that Pop-Tarts are not a good source of fruit. Likewise, fries aren’t really a vegetable when it comes to nutrition.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

There’s a new pita in town: Pita’s Republic to open in March

By THOMAS NASSIFF< | Feb. 16, 2011

Diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, a variety of vegetables and a choice of meats and sauces — all wrapped up into a hearty slice of pita bread.

THE AVENUE | ART AND THEATER

For a positive awakening, see “A Melancholy Play”

By Mae Basiratmand | Feb. 16, 2011

“Every night, I laugh,” said Rachael Jones, a senior BFA acting major and the director of “Melancholy Play.”

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Gainesville gets dazed by the dub

By Carter Lyles | Feb. 16, 2011

The club doors open, and the immediate presence of the disc jockey is felt — the bone-rattling effects of the sub woofer penetrating every nuance, every movement, every breath within the tightly packed surroundings.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

AMPED wtith UF athletes: tennis player Sekou Bangoura

By Richard O. Stehli | Feb. 16, 2011

UF sophomore Sekou Bangoura has been playing tennis since before most children know what tennis is. The Bradenton, Fla., native has 16 years of experience, which seems like no feat — until you consider that he’s 19 years old.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Woman’s life “All About Elephants”

By Kelly Richard | Feb. 16, 2011

Mid-afternoon, Bunny, Luke and Roxy sway their rotund, wrinkly bodies in anticipation. They know feeding time is approaching. But their shifting weight is not only out of excitement: It’s also out of necessity. Each of the three Asian elephants weighs about 10,000 pounds.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

More coffee smarter choice economically, but not health-wise, experts say

By Brittany Brave | Feb. 16, 2011

Susan Gonzalez is obsessed with it.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Platonic partnerships can be beneficial, experts say

Feb. 16, 2011

Ladies, don’t be shy. Go ahead and show your “we’re-just-friends” guy some love. Sure, girls have to have their girl BFFs, but some say women may be remiss in ducking platonic friendships with guys. For one, that male chum of yours has something none of your estrogen-fueled cohorts do: less emotion.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

The A-list

By LAUREN GOLD | Feb. 16, 2011

READ: “Sarah’s Key”

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Moms get outraged, others rejoice

By Andrew Wyzan | Feb. 16, 2011

“This game is an atrocity,” an unnamed mother said.