2 - The Independent Florida Alligator

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Relax, Weatherford: Florida won’t become ‘Coloradoized’

Jan. 29, 2014

On Monday, the Florida Supreme Court approved a medicinal marijuana bill that will be included on the November 2014 general election ballot. Overall, the Orlando Sentinel reported, the marijuana issue is “broadly popular with Florida voters.” The news is a cause for celebration with groups in the state who have been tirelessly petitioning to add medical marijuana to the ballot — including the ever-present pack of petitioners outside the Alachua County Library.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Trophy Hunting: Grammys jam out with big collaborations

By Alyssa Holcomb | Jan. 29, 2014

The Grammy Awards brought some of music’s biggest stars together to sing, dance and get a little funky — emphasis on the last part.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Dishes to kick off your Super Bowl

By EMILY COCHRANE< | Jan. 29, 2014

When it comes to Super Bowl Sunday, food is more important than football.

Dounia Bendris, a 21-year-old UF drawing senior, doesn’t like hard lines in her work, so she uses her fingers to smear her charcoal drawings. With black-stained hands, her fingerprints create a shadow and light effect. She dips her fingers into a water jug to seal the charcoal when she’s satisfied with an area.

THE AVENUE | ART AND THEATER

Drawing seniors tease end-of-year show

By Steven Katona | Jan. 29, 2014

They work with their hands — 10 fingers smudging, scraping, filing and brushing some of their last marks as UF students. These drawing seniors, graduating this Spring from the College of Fine Arts, are joining together before they depart, pooling their pieces for an art exhibition.

THE AVENUE | MOVIES AND TV

From page to screen: this year’s upcoming book adaptations

By Rosie Robinson | Jan. 29, 2014

Whether you don’t have time to read the book or can’t wait to see what the big screen does with your favorite words, 2014 is bringing some exciting book-to-movie adaptations to life. Here’s a look at what to expect.

Gainesville Fashion Week model Tamima Mehrotra sits through hair and makeup before an early-season editorial photo shoot last month. Hair: Nicole Collazo. Makeup: Niko Pifferetti

THE AVENUE | FASHION GFW

Gainesville Fashion Week hosts casting call for new models

By Lauren Zika | Jan. 29, 2014

Aspiring Gainesville models and designers may get their big breaks at Gainesville Fashion Week’s model casting call on Saturday.

Offensive line coach Mike Summers at a press conference in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

SPORTS | RECRUITING

Florida a finalist for Maryland offensive-line prospect

By MORGAN MORIARTY | Jan. 29, 2014

National Signing Day is just six days away, and Florida’s 2014 recruiting class currently has 21 commits. With only four scholarships remaining for the class, Florida hopes to fill one of the open spots with five-star offensive tackle Damian Prince.

Chris Walker stands on the sideline as the Gators warm up during Florida’s win against Tennessee on Saturday in the O’Connell Center.

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Walker cleared by NCAA, will make debut Tuesday against Missouri

By LANDON WATNICK< | Jan. 29, 2014

Chris Walker has finally been freed.

Kytra Hunter performs her floor routine on Friday in the O’Connell Center. Hunter scored a perfect 10 on the routine. Her performance followed fellow UF gymnast Bridget Sloan’s perfect floor routine — the first back-to-back 10s in an event for UF in almost 18 years.

SPORTS | GYMNASTICS

Wiping the floor: The anatomy of Hunter, Sloan’s perfect 10s

By ERICA A. HERNANDEZ | Jan. 28, 2014

There is more to a perfect 10 than meets the eye — which is why the Gators have accomplished the feat only 17 times in the program’s 41 years of existence.

Damontre Harris poses at media day on Oct. 10, 2012. Harris, who left the team in December 2013, has practiced with the Gators after re-joining the team. Coach Billy Donovan said Harris will not play for Florida until next season.

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Harris practicing with UF

By LANDON WATNICK< | Jan. 28, 2014

Since Damontre Harris re-enrolled at Florida at the start of the semester, he has so far been successful in his attempts to work his way back into coach Billy Donovan’s good graces.

Kayla Lewis drives toward the net during Florida’s win against Georgia on Jan. 19 in the O’Connell Center.

SPORTS | WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Forward racking up boards

By GORDON STREISAND< | Jan. 28, 2014

The Gators are one of the smallest teams in the Southeastern Conference.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Gator Dining continues text-to-win Dr Pepper scholarship

By Megan Kelly | Jan. 28, 2014

Students have an opportunity to win a scholarship just by texting a number.

METRO

Negotiations between union, city stall over RTS wages

By Jenna Lyons | Jan. 28, 2014

Negotiations are over.

METRO

No snow for Gainesville despite cold

By Alex Harris | Jan. 28, 2014

While the Seminoles are enjoying a rare snow day and canceled classes, Gators will be slogging through possible freezing rain and sleet.

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Percy Harvin talks to reporters after his team’s practice on Thursday in Renton, Wash. The Seahawks face the Denver Broncos on Sunday at 6:25 p.m. in Super Bowl XLVIII.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Gators in the NFL: Harvin cleared to return to Seahawks for Super Bowl XLVIII

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | Jan. 28, 2014

Percy Harvin is ready to start making an impact again.

METRO

State of the Union addresses student, business opportunities

Jan. 28, 2014

In his State of the Union address Tuesday night, President Barack Obama outlined plans to enable startup companies to grow and extend more opportunities to hardworking college students.

Florida point guard Kasey Hill shoots over Kansas guard Naadir Tharpe during No. 19 Florida's 67-61 win against No. 13 Kansas on Dec. 10 in the O'Connell Center.

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Freshman point guard shooting poorly from three

By LANDON WATNICK< | Jan. 28, 2014

Throughout his freshman campaign, point guard Kasey Hill’s shooting touch from beyond the arc has not been the smoothest.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Traditional students feeling effects of UF Online

By Sean Stewart-Muniz | Jan. 28, 2014

Although UF Online is only four weeks into its first semester, on-campus students are beginning to take notice of the program’s effects on their courses.

Kourtney Keegan attempts a volley during the Bedford Cup on Oct. 13, 2013, at the Ring Tennis Complex. Keegan won both of her singles matches in Florida’s opening weekend.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Freshman leading the way after UF’s season-opening matches

By IAN COHEN | Jan. 28, 2014

With the ITA Kickoff Championship behind them, the No. 2 Gators’ season has not been a story of experience, repetition or expected outcomes. Instead, it has been a story of freshmen and firsts.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS GOLF

Golfer disappointed after opener

By EMILY COCHRANE< | Jan. 28, 2014

After the golf team’s fourth-place finish in the Florida Challenge on Monday, redshirt sophomore Katie Mitchell and her teammates are looking to improve in their first three-round tournament in Palos Verdes, Calif., on Feb. 9-11.

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