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The Avenue

Gay men make good girlfriends, cock–blockers

By STEPHANIE DUNN | Sep. 24, 2008

Let me introduce myself. I'm Stephanie, and I'm a fag hag. But let me make a few things clear before your mind conjures up the image of that outspoken MAC makeup artist who so perfectly embodies the stereotype of the textbook fruit fly. I'm not a pudgy hanger-on, and my self-esteem is nowhere near lacking. I don't cling to gay men because otherwise, I'd never get within three feet of a penis. I'm definitely not the kind of girl who thinks that she alone can turn any Britney-squealing, homosexual man into a burly football fanatic. I don't brandish my gay friends like accessories, nor do I harbor any "Sex and the City" fantasies of being a cosmopolitan surrounded by sophisticated sodomites. Somehow, I just always found myself surrounded by gay guys and never thought much of it until everybody started asking me why.

The Avenue

Boycott the talking animals

By ERIK VOSS | Sep. 24, 2008

In a few weeks, Disney will release the movie "Beverly Hills Chihuahua," yet another gem from the live-action-films-about-talking-animals genre.

The Avenue

Fashion on the avenue

By REGINA STUZIN | Sep. 24, 2008

Your first date with someone is incredibly important. It determines the outcome of the relationship. They say first impressions are everything, and hopefully your first date ends well with no walk of shame (see last week's article).

The Avenue

Up–and–coming band doesn't sweat small stuff with 'Sweat It Out'

By MEGAN HERON | Sep. 17, 2008

Their tour bus caught on fire, they were dropped from a record deal, and two of the three original members of the band are out. While this might have spelled the end for many bands, The Pink Spiders pushed on. With their latest album, "Sweat It Out," hitting stores Sept. 23, The Pink Spiders will continue to roll with the punches.

The Avenue

Bar hop right out of your comfort zone

By GABRIELLE FALCONEIRI | Sep. 17, 2008

I have lived in Gainesville my entire life, and I understand as much as anyone how small this city can seem. After working in the bar scene for so long, I rarely go out without running into somebody I know.

The Avenue

Fedora hat takes over fashion world

By ASHLEY ROSS | Sep. 17, 2008

If you're having a bad-hair day, in need of a cover-up for the orange dye that won't wash out of your hair from last week's game or just looking to put a little Humphrey Bogart in your life, the fedora hat is coming back in style more than ever.

The Avenue

Director of Oscar–nominated film visits Gainesville

By JESSICA METZGER | Sep. 17, 2008

Tania Hermida is an independent filmmaker with a vision to show truth and important stories. Best known for her role as second assistant director for the Oscar-nominated independent film "Maria Full of Grace," her first feature film "Que tan lejos" (How much further), which will be shown at the upcoming Gainesville Latino Film Festival, was a product of her desire to create a "road film."

The Avenue

New "90210" not as fresh as original but still one of CW's best

By LaTOYA FERGUSON<br | Sep. 17, 2008

It has been nearly 20 years since Beverly Hills, 90210 debuted, defining a generation with its bad hair, 30-year olds playing high school students and ridiculous polka dot spandex leggings. The new show, simply called 90210, is attempting to define another generation.

The Avenue

Latin film directors visit Gainesville for first time in 4th Annual Latino Film Festival

By JESSICA METZGER | Sep. 17, 2008

The Latina Women's League wants to share the diverse stories of Latin America with the Gainesville community. With six independent films, it has organized the Fourth Annual Gainesville Latino Film Festival, which will be different than the past three in that two of the film's directors will make presentations and hold bilingual readings for young children.

The Avenue

Ninja Gun takes aim at The Atlantic

By HENRY TAKSIER | Sep. 17, 2008

"Our name is really just a bad inside joke," said Johnathan Coody, vocalist, guitarist and songwriter for the Georgia punk-rock band Ninja Gun, which will perform Saturday at The Atlantic, located at 15 N. Main St.

The Avenue

Band led by 12–year–old guitarist

By LAURA NOVETZKE | Sep. 17, 2008

When he's not going to school, Anthony Kavouklis plays late night gigs, poses for CD photo shoots and rubs elbows with blues legends like Buddy Guy. This creates a balancing act for any adult, but Anthony is 12 years old.

The Avenue

Metallica rises from grave state with "Death Magnetic"

By ROBERT HILSON | Sep. 17, 2008

Men grow old. Legends live forever. That's a problem for Metallica. Burdened by paradox, the group's mere relevance in 2008 is a testament not to the graying, leather-clad rockers, but to the near-mythic quality of an era gone by. What's now more brand than band was once a pack of pimply twenty-somethings blessed with a terrifically violent combination of speed, volume and, above all, ability. But passing time, foolish decisions and producer Bob Rock, the grim reaper of thrash, all rendered our heroes disposable. Metal doesn't wear well with age. Even "the quartet of deliverance" gets only so many chances to get back on the horse.

The Avenue

Stellar acting in 'Burn Before Reading' lights up screen

By DAVID STUZIN | Sep. 17, 2008

To try to stick "Burn After Reading" into a genre is absolutely impossible. One could call it a comedy, as IMDB.com does, but I think this label does the movie a disservice. Don't get me wrong, you will laugh your head off, but you will also question yourself for laughing at each character's rather depressing life. It's really not a drama, a romance or even a political satire. Rather, the movie transcends genre and focuses on plot, making the style both distinctive and amazingly entertaining.

The Avenue

Caramelized onions spruce up meals with sweet, savory flavors

By CHRISTINE HART<br | Sep. 14, 2008

Caramelized onions are one of my favorite side notes that can easily, and with a low-caloric punch, jazz up many dishes be they tacos, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs or a sandwich. Now, before you go trekking off to candy lands and your metaphorical boots get gummed up with pralines and crème brulees, let us better introduce ourselves to the notably uncandy-like subject. Caramelized onions are onions that have been sliced thin and cooked on low to medium heat, often in a bit of fat, until they become golden brown in color, meltingly tender, and both sweet and savory in flavor. They can be delicious eaten straight out of the pan, but their awesomeness lies in their adaptability that shines when they are paired with other dishes.

The Avenue

Band questions love and death on new album

By JORDANA FYNE Avenue Writer | Sep. 10, 2008

Why? is all about asking questions. Ask front man Yoni Wolf why call a band Why? and he'll shoot back, "Why not?"

The Avenue

Ring My Morningbell; Local band talks about Bonnaroo

By BAILEY PARKE | Sep. 10, 2008

Members of local psychedelic rock band Morningbell were in a daze. They traveled to Bonnaroo this summer as they had the previous two years of the festival. But this year was different. They were not there as fans to enjoy the music of the bands they look up to. They were there to perform alongside them.

The Avenue

Drive By Truckers Q&A

By KRISTIN BJORNSEN Avenue Writer | Sep. 10, 2008

AVE: So, what are you doing right now?

The Avenue

Motion City Soundtrack Q&A

By STEPHANIE ROSENBERG Avenue Editor | Sep. 10, 2008

Pop-punk band Motion City Soundtrack has been funkifying festival scenes since its formation in 1997 and rocking around the world with the likes of Blink 182, Fall Out Boy and Incubus. The band, which is now working on its fourth album following the success of "Commit This to Memory," will perform in Gainesville at the Real Big Deal Festival on Sept. 13. Bassist and back-up vocalist Matthew Taylor talks with the Alligator about the band's future, travel habits and what they love about the festival scene.

The Avenue

Local stores tell Gainesville what not to wear

By ASHLEY ROSS | Sep. 10, 2008

Local stores tell Gainesville what not to wear

The Avenue

Bartender seen it all after years in Gainesville’s bar scene

By GABRIELLE FALCONEIR | Sep. 10, 2008

Football season is officially in full swing, which takes the Gainesville bar scene to a completely different level. For seven weekends every year, Gainesville is transformed from a typical college town into a 48-hour party including everybody from alumni to toddlers.