The Avenue - The Independent Florida Alligator

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Coffee binge brings aversion, reflection & perspiration

By Jon Silman | June 3, 2009

With all the rabble between scientists and media outlets over the benefits and dangers of coffee, it's hard to know what to believe. People on the left say it prevents cancer, and other people on the left say it could give you a heart attack. People on the right talk too, but I don't listen to them. Like any red-blooded, coffee loving fool, I decided to see for myself.

THE AVENUE | SEX

‘We’re all a little gay’

By ANNIE ANTHONY | June 3, 2009

Pseudo-homos - ones that proclaim to be straight, but have had at least one homosexual experience. If you ask them about an outer-hetero experience, they will admit to it, but soon after comes an "I'm not gay" or "I was just curious," or "I was so drunk."

THE AVENUE | MOVIES AND TV

‘Taken’ musters conversation

By ERIK VOSS | June 3, 2009

In an effort to improve my conversation skills, I've searched for a "universal ice breaker" - a topic so engaging it transcends barriers of age, class and gender.

THE AVENUE | MOVIES AND TV

Local video store lassoes in customers with indie flicks

By Branti Downing | May 27, 2009

While most people are still renting movies from stores like Blockbuster and Movie Gallery, a small local video store is thriving in the shadow of these corporate giants cast.

THE AVENUE | MOVIES AND TV

Watching quirky movies helps mother and son to bond

By ERIK VOSS | May 27, 2009

For me, there's no better way to spend those long, summer afternoons than with a matinee. Especially when mom's paying.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Alley Cat bike races thrive in Gainesville

By KARINA GALVEZ | May 27, 2009

Summer is synonymous with bicycle races and fun on two wheels. The tour de France being one of the most famous bike races, may not be the most fun or the easiest race to enter.

THE AVENUE | FASHION

Colorful clothes can brighten gray days

By REBEKAH GEIER | May 27, 2009

"Weather is a great metaphor for life - sometimes it's good, sometimes it's bad, and there's nothing much you can do about it but carry an umbrella."

THE AVENUE | SEX

Make time for shoulder rubs, squeezes and kisses

By ANNIE ANTHONY | May 27, 2009

Maybe it's due to the recession, but when it comes to sex, corners are being cut.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Community jazz group to perform downtown Friday

By STEVE JOHNSON | May 27, 2009

Downtown Gainesville will be swingin' to the sounds of live jazz Friday night.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Local artist draws from charms of everyday life

By KATRINA GALVEZ | May 20, 2009

Art is not where Sergio Castro wanted to take his life when he started at Santa Fe College as a general business major. He started helping his friend with her art homework and unveiled a talent that has changed his career path, earned him local recognition and put some serious money in his pocket.

THE AVENUE | ART AND THEATER

UF takes act to east coast

By O'Connel | May 20, 2009

In a time of tight budgets and limited resources, UF musical theater students keep singing and dancing. Economic hardships and stormy weather don't stop these performers from sharing their talents with the world.

THE AVENUE | ART AND THEATER

Pole restores confidence

By ATTIYA ANTHONY | May 20, 2009

A flexible 5-foot-1 inch, 100-pound female twirls upside down on a pole, with her long brown hair sweeping the floor, her 6-inch heels almost scrape the ceiling, before straddling the air and then sliding down onto all fours.

THE AVENUE | SEX

Muggy days make for steamy hot nights

By ASHLEY ROSS | May 20, 2009

If you're stuck in Gainesville all summer then you definitely won't be splashing around at the beach like Danny and Sandy, but that doesn't mean you can't have your own sexy summer nights-or even days.

THE AVENUE | FASHION

Ruffles, florals fit for royalty

By REBEKAH GEIER | May 20, 2009

This summer you will be feeling more than the heat. Textured fabrics and ruffled pieces are dominating the fashion industry this season, from models on designer runways to students on Gainesville's sidewalks.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

HuDost to release new CD after performing downtown

May 13, 2009

A band that fuses sounds from all over the world will release their new CD after performing in Downtown Gainesville on Friday.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Eloquence lost in time

By DAVID LOW | May 13, 2009

In an America where all you seem to hear about is our economy and our armed and civil conflicts, it is sometimes helpful to revisit grievous times of the past - to read the thoughts of those who have endured if only simply to endure. You do this to take in some perspective of human experience, some sense of nationality and it is good. But shouldn't we be able to find strength in our own time, in our own words?

THE AVENUE | ART AND THEATER

Artist models Meyer's Taser incident

By KATIE EMMETS | May 13, 2009

Action-figure-sized Andrew Meyer thrashed on top of a 2-by-2 wooden box as police figurines held a Taser to him.

THE AVENUE | FASHION

City inspires bloggers

By KARINA GALVEZ | Apr. 15, 2009

Fashion and street-style blogs are usually based in big cities where fashion has a heavy presence, and the style savvy roam the streets and make it easy for bloggers to click their cameras and post the pictures for all the world to see.

THE AVENUE | MOVIES AND TV

Q&A with cast members of MTV’s “College Life”

By MARY MANCHESS | Apr. 15, 2009

What happens in college often tends to stay in college.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

The A–List: Concerts

By ALISON SCHWARTZ | Apr. 15, 2009

Here's something to sing about: Your classes are winding down, the air is getting warmer and, to top it off, all of your favorite musical artists are coming to a town near you this summer. If you can break away from the beach (or your summer job, you overachiever), you won't want to miss these gigs.