2 - The Independent Florida Alligator

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Gun law information readily available

By J.T. HELM | Feb. 8, 2011

I have been reading up on Florida Senate Bill 234. I suggest all of the people who have been debating this recently do the same. I am an avid and licensed hunter in the state of Florida and part of that privilege is learning the law. Because I am pursuing a concealed carry license, I have done just that. The law states that you must have a concealed carry license to open carry. Anyone visibly carrying will most assuredly be checked by police. So the idea that any student can carry is a ludicrous idea. You will be required to have a concealed permit, and you must be finger printed to have this license, so not everyone will be carrying these weapons. How many of the 50,000 are under 21, which is the legal age for concealed carry?

NEWS | CAMPUS STUDENT LIFE

Guns would eliminate defense-free zone

By Mike Lewis | Feb. 8, 2011

I’m disappointed to hear about the Student Senate’s anti-gun resolution. I do hope they understand that their resolution will not stop people with bad intent from carrying guns, only those of us who follow the law and intend to use our weapons for self-defense.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Community service, not politics, deserves coverage

By Alex Becker | Feb. 8, 2011

Once again, the Alligator has failed to understand its own shortcomings. Once again, the Alligator has openly flaunted its infatuation with Dave Schneider. Once again, the Alligator has neglected more important facts in order to reinforce the politics of SG that it so often sounds out against.

NEWS | FEATURES

Legislature may consider fines for texting while driving

By Kaitlyn Robbins | Feb. 8, 2011

At least three Florida representatives have filed for distracted driving legislation to be considered in the 2011 legislative session. If passed, most of these new bills would impose a fine for drivers who are caught texting behind the wheel.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Medieval faire fun for nearly everyone

By Wesley Campbell | Feb. 8, 2011

If you didn’t make it out to the 25th Annual Hoggetowne Medieval Faire during these last two weeks, you missed out. I can hear the naysayers now: That little show is a nest of seedy Alachua County residents, their bawling, scurvy-ridden children and people with enough body hair to make you ponder when exactly shaving was invented. These are the kinds of people who blow their entire tax refund on anachronistic, dull-edged replica swords, furry-esque fox tails, hats and funnel cakes.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Unpatriotic Act

By The Alligator Editorial Board | Feb. 8, 2011

Maybe House Republicans weren’t counting on their own turning their backs on the party. In a miscalculation, they brought a bill to renew components of the Patriot Act to the floor faster but required a two-thirds majority to pass. The yeas to renew outnumbered the nays, but the difference wasn’t large enough.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Evolving Opinion: Educators dodge origin of life issue

By The Alligator Editorial Board | Feb. 8, 2011

A recent survey of public high school biology teachers showed they aren’t sticking to the National Research Council’s recommendations on evolution. With 28 percent of the teachers focusing only on evolution and 13 percent advocating creationism within the classroom, we’re left with 60 percent quiet and not wanting to stir up controversy by endorsing one theory over another. Let’s recap: educators are shying away from supporting the principles they’re trying to teach simply because they are dealing with a touchy subject.

NEWS

Super Bowl XLV movie trailers

By Joshua Saval | Feb. 8, 2011

Did you catch the Super Bowl on Sunday? I happen to be one of those people who prefer to watch the commercials – with an emphasis on the movie trailers.

NEWS

Talk of new $22.3 million fairgrounds may open options for businesses

By Meredith Rutland | Feb. 8, 2011

The Alachua County Fairgrounds may not host medieval fairs and other events in the future, but don’t worry. A new fairground will take its place.

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Tyus struggling with inconsistency

By GREG LUCA | Feb. 7, 2011

When Alex Tyus decided to withdraw his name from the NBA Draft and return to Florida following his junior season, his play was expected to take a considerable step forward.

SPORTS | BASEBALL

Maddox adjusting to hot corner

By JESSE SIMONTON | Feb. 7, 2011

Coach Kevin O’Sullivan’s baseball approach relies on good pitching supported by solid defense.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS SWIM AND DIVE

Beisel reveling in first-year success

By MELISSA PENDER< | Feb. 7, 2011

Watching Elizabeth Beisel fiercely take down the competition as she swims to first place in the 200-yard backstroke against Tennessee, it’s hard to imagine her as a funny, sweet 18-year-old who loves to joke around with her teammates on the Florida swimming and diving team.

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL