The Avenue - The Independent Florida Alligator

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Spiritualized in limbo on “A&E”

By ROBERT HILSON | June 4, 2008

British trance-rocker and Spiritualized frontman Jason Pierce nearly died in 2005 because of - get this - pneumonia. Go figure. When you've had addiction problems with heroin, landing in the accident and emergency (A&E) ward because of respiratory complications is kind of like tiptoeing through a minefield only to contract tetanus from a rusty nail. Irony aside, the near-death experience yielded "Songs in A&E," a rock 'n' roll record that could very easily be confused for an electric requiem.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

A quick look at the Avenue CD stash

By SHAW PATTON | June 4, 2008

Collecting dust isn't a CD's purpose. In hopes of finding a worthy album to review, I snagged a stash occupying space in the Alligator office.

THE AVENUE | MOVIES AND TV

“Sex and the City” finishes with style

By EMILIE WILLIAMS | June 4, 2008

The premiere of "Sex and the City" on Friday night brought out Gainesville's most devoted fans, and some even dressed the part. I wanted to get really carried away and dress in a pink leotard and pink tutu, which Sarah Jessica Parker dons in the show's opening sequence, but my roommates thought that was taking it a little too far.

THE AVENUE | ART AND THEATER

College life hits the stage: “COLLEGE: The Musical” premieres Friday

By BRIANA O’SULLIVAN | June 4, 2008

Weekday parties, drunken mistakes, hangovers and the resulting truancy come to Gainesville this summer, and they're not just on campus.

THE AVENUE | SEX

First stop: relationships

By ANNIE ANTHONY | May 28, 2008

Relationships are as common as double-headed love bugs in March. You've established a relationship with everyone you've ever met - from your professors and peers to the Chick-Fil-A guy who knows your order before you even reach the register.

THE AVENUE | MOVIES AND TV

‘Sex and the City’ scores in big screen debut

By ANNA MONTANO | May 28, 2008

Any fan of the show will tell you that one of the most anticipated films of the year is the "Sex and the City" movie. Set three years after the series' end, this flick had a lot to live up to.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

The Music Man: Local’s music Web site a staple in Gainesville

By SHAW PATTON | May 28, 2008

His birth name is Shawn Dalton, but even his mother affectionately calls him "Glyph."

THE AVENUE | FASHION

Classic over trendy a safe bet for summer swimwear

By EMILIE WILLIAMS | May 28, 2008

This summer, beaches all over the world will feature all kinds of swimsuits: itsy-bitsy ones, tankini versions and yes, even the cut-away. The cut-away suit, also known as the "monokini," is a trend that I will undoubtedly avoid this summer.

THE AVENUE | FASHION

Summer brings new hair trends

By EMILIE WILLIAMS | May 21, 2008

Rihanna cut hers short. Katie Holmes and her daughter sport matching looks, and Lauren Conrad wore one in just about every episode of "The Hills" last season. You guessed it girls: I am talking about this summer's fiercest hairstyles - the pixie cut, the bi-level bob and the side French braid.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

‘Mario Kart Wii’ retains series’ charm

By ALLIE CONTI | May 21, 2008

While calling "Mario Kart" the greatest spin-off series of weapon-based kart racing might be as ridiculously specific as hailing TLC the best all-female R&B vocal trio of the '90s, the game has earned that detailed title.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Overexposure, fading novelty define ‘Idol’ decline

By ANA MONTANO | May 21, 2008

The show that revived Paula Abdul's career and hooked audiences for six seasons has lost its grip on American viewers. Though the show still tops the ratings list, the success of "American Idol" is fading.

THE AVENUE | SEX

Get ready to shed your sexual inhibitions

By ANNIE ANTHONY | May 21, 2008

Hi, my name is Annie. I am a sexual enthusiast, contemporarily known as a freak. I am a free spirit whose life philosophy fits better with the hippies in the '60s than those of my generation; I love everybody but not anybody. I come with standards and morals.

THE AVENUE | NIGHTLIFE

Shameless singing: Karaoke bar features intimate Korean style

By HAYLEIGH SIMPSON | May 21, 2008

A typical American concept of karaoke usually involves a smoky bar with disinterested patrons chugging beer while some poor soul on stage tries his best rendition of Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'."

THE AVENUE | MOVIES AND TV

On new record, Scarlett’s letter is a lowly ‘F’

By ROBERT HILSON | May 21, 2008

In hindsight, the Woody Allen films should've been a big, waving red flag. Scarlett Johansson simply doesn't care anymore - not about her image, not about her career and not about the poor bastards who will actually spend money on "Anywhere I Lay My Head."

THE AVENUE | MOVIES AND TV

Thomas Center offers silm screenings of lesser-known works

By BRETT LABO | May 21, 2008

A crowd of about 100 college students and Gainesville residents gathered underneath a starry sky with pillows, blankets and lawn chairs Tuesday night.

THE AVENUE | MOVIES AND TV

Early summer flicks prove to be hit or miss

By JESSICA METZGER | May 14, 2008

Summer's begun and so have the blockbusters. Whether you're looking for something to do on a rainy day or have some free time to kill, you might be wondering which films hit or miss. Below is a list of a few new releases and where they fall on the must-see scale.

THE AVENUE | FASHION

He's got baggage: UF student brings style to cyclists

By SHAW PATTON | May 14, 2008

Gainesville is a place where odd niches can proliferate. Take Arena Baggage, a home business run by UF senior Mike Arena. He supplies the local market's need for custom messenger bags.

THE AVENUE | FASHION

Brighten your wardrobe with bold colors this summer

By Emilie Willians | May 14, 2008

This season, models marched down runways blinding onlookers. The pages of May's In Style magazine look more like colors found in a candy shop, and even Forever 21's latest frocks are inspired by Vitamin C. It's official, girls, summer is here, and as Posh Spice might say: Bold colors are going to be major.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Kanye’s Glow in the Dark Tour takes audience to another world

By ANA MONTANO | May 14, 2008

The next few months are the prime time for music lovers to catch a great show. And if you're looking to see one good concert this year, go see Kanye West's Glow in the Dark Tour. This show was surrounded by a halo of hype from the get-go. It received stellar reviews all around, and when Entertainment Weekly gave the show a B+, it got an earful from Kanye who responded on his blog, "What's a B+ mean? I'm an extremist. It's either pass or fail! A+ or F-!"

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

CD compilations capture memories, show creativity

By MEGAN HERON | May 14, 2008

Goodbyes are tough.