The Avenue

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Little Black Dress Guide

The A-List

READ: Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

Coupons: Not just for your mom

Just because you're in college doesn't mean you can't have your gourmet meal and eat it, too. While you're at it, work an occasional massage into your schedule, or even a trip to the bowling alley with a big group of friends.

To spend less, take a trip through time

Out with the new, and in with the old. Every day, it seems that thrift stores are becoming a more avant-garde venue for shopping. And here in Gainesville, students and residents alike are lucky to have access to stores beyond the common man’s Goodwill. In fact, we’d go so far as to say Gainesville’s got a vintage selection that’s the Rolls-Royce of second-hand-shop selections. Peruse the merchandise at these retailers and you’ll be sure to snatch a find that’s one-of-a-kind. After all, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

Spin away the cash blues

Nielsen SoundScan released a report earlier this month indicating a 14 percent increase in vinyl record sales from 2009 to 2010, with 2.8 million albums sold last year. The Beatles’ “Abbey Road”, Arcade Fire’s “The Suburbs” and The Black Keys’ “Brothers” topped the list in sales.

Healthy and wealthy couldn’t be wiser

College students are known for a sordid diet of ramen and delivered pizza. And we get it: Being on a budget hardly allows for filet mignon and crème brûlée as dinner options. But, believe it or not, eating healthy and tasty can be done on limited funds. Check out these tips to see how.

The best of the cheap for smart cash (and calorie) spenders

A lot of pesky things can get in the way of drinking lots of alcohol: school, work, parents, religion, money — and the list goes on. In good conscience, I can’t help you with your obligations to time or morality, but I can help you drink on a budget. No matter the occasion and no matter the financial limitations, there’s an affordable drink for you.

Fine meals for a fine price

Hard up for cash, but you still want to eat like a king? Need to impress your date, but financial aid hasn't come in yet? No need to fear - the word "gourmet" refers to taste, not cost. Here are a few tips on saving money while still eating real food.

Underneath 'Skins'

Before MTV's scandalous new series "Skins" premiered on Jan. 17, commercials teased audiences with clips of sex, drugs and crazily behaved teenagers - all factors that seemed to make its U.K. counterpart a hit.

Cheap, fun games for cheap, fun people

Like many students, I’m pretty much broke. I’ve eaten Burger King at least six times this week, I worship ramen, and every penny saved is a video game earned. Spending $50 or more on a blockbuster title might make gamers into mindless slaves of consumerism and pretty graphics, but that is a curse we’re willing to live with.

Stars still aligned: horoscopes the same, experts say

Social media sites were ablaze last week with outraged updates after news reports said the horoscope we knew and loved was all wrong.

Indie band Hellogoodbye plays in Gainesville

Just four and a half years ago, Hellogoodbye stood atop the pop music scene. The band's 2006 release, "Zombies! Aliens! Vampires! Dinosaurs!", sold more than half-a-million copies and hit the top spot of the U.S. indie charts - an impressive feat for a first record.

Tune-up could be in store for local radio

President Barack Obama’s signing of the Local Community Radio Act earlier this month gave music fans hope for a future of more diversity on the airwaves. The act allows for the development of hundreds of low-power FM (LPFM) stations across the country — something that has been a long-standing feat for industry workers, as many believe LPFMs cause too much interference with commercial radio stations.

The Boswellians to record first EP, perform tonight

For Gainesville rock quartet The Boswellians, the show must go on — even when it gets canceled.

Lens Flair

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

The A-List

READ: Shit my Dad Says

Not easy being green? With help, planting made simple

If you’re looking to revamp your home decor and your attitude, the resolution could be simple: Liven up your living space.

Q&A with Swamp Head Brewery owner Luke Kemper

Local brewery owner Luke Kemper has a lot bottled up — one thing being patience. That’s what it’s taken the owner of Swamp Head Brewery, 3140 SW 42nd Way, to start growing his 1-year-old business.

Food for thought, & everything else

Heads up, New Year’s resolution makers: It’s about three weeks into 2011. Have you kept your self-made promise? We’re betting about half of you have already cracked — especially those who resolved to hit the gym and eat healthier.  It’s no easy feat. But sometimes, the resolution to all your healthy lifestyle woes is simple: balance.

iPhone lovers: Everything you need to know about Verizon

AT&T used to be my cell phone service provider — the key phrase there being “used to.” Dropped calls, poor phones and customer service staffed by incompetent gorillas are just some of the infamous issues the service provider is known for. Yet, people still cling to the carrier like submissive gimps — all thanks to the iPhone. If given the choice, a significant portion of AT&T’s customers would jump ship should the iPhone be released on a better service, say, for example, Verizon Wireless.