2 - The Independent Florida Alligator

OPINION | EDITORIALS

With SG elections in full swing, voting is more important than ever

Sep. 28, 2015

t is universally agreed that democracy is a cornerstone of American values. By most accounts, it is the raison d’être for our country’s existence. The concepts which fall under democratic ideals, such as the freedom of choice and freedom of speech, have fundamentally shaped this nation’s political culture and social mores.

OPINION | COLUMNS

The ‘John Oliver Effect’ in action

Sep. 28, 2015

Good satire can make you laugh, think or act; the best satire will make you do all three.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Volkswagen recall may prove to be positive

Sep. 28, 2015

It’s a great day when powerful people get caught doing bad things. Not bad as in being fellatio’d in the Oval Office or molesting-their-sister-while-espousing-conservative-family-values bad — more like corporate greed and deliberate-deception-of-the-public bad. Although it should be noted the exposure of hypocrisy does have its salience, there are bigger fish to broil today (not fry, ‘cause we’re trying to watch our figures).

OPINION | COLUMNS

40 years later, eccentric classic ‘Rocky Horror’ still a crowd pleaser

Sep. 28, 2015

This week ushers in the beginning of October, what I believe to be the best 31 days of the calendar year. This opinion isn’t based solely on the imminent approach of Halloween — which is unsurprisingly my favorite holiday — but also on the variety of changes the month seems to bring with it. With October comes the promise of cool(ish) autumn weather, the inability to escape pictures of girls in pumpkin patches and, of course, showings of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show."

UF right-side hitter Alex Holston (3) celebrates during Florida's 3-0 win against St. John's on Sept. 17, 2015, in the O'Connell Center.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

Florida remaining optimistic despite SEC loss

By Patrick Pinak | Sep. 28, 2015

Six hundred eighty days.

Goalkeeper Val Tysinger chases the ball during Florida's 2-1 win against Troy in an exhibition match on Aug. 11, 2015, at the soccer practice field at Donald R. Dizney Stadium.

SPORTS | SOCCER

Florida soccer focused on improving communication, discipline

By Ryan Summers | Sep. 28, 2015

After the Florida soccer team had its first multi-game road trip against Southeastern Conference opponents, coach Becky Burleigh realized that some coaching adjustments needed to be made.

Ryan Orr swings during Day 1 of the SunTrust Gator Invitational on Feb. 14, 2015, at the Mark Bostick Golf Course.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS GOLF

Florida men’s golf focused on becoming mentally tough

By Matt Brannon | Sep. 28, 2015

UF’s biggest problem wasn’t putting, chipping or driving at the Golf Club of Tennessee in Kingston Springs over the weekend.

UF wide receiver Brandon Powell lunges into the endzone for a touchdown during Florida's 28-27 win against Tennessee on Sept. 26, 2015, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Sophomore wide receiver praised for block on touchdown

By Luis Torres | Sep. 28, 2015

It takes 11 players on the football field to make a play.

Kayla McAleer, a former UF sophomore, does the Gator Chomp on Nov. 4, 2014. The 19-year-old passed away on Sept. 11, 2015, due to complications related to a rare congenital heart defect.

NEWS | CAMPUS

UF says goodbye to an angel

By Caitlin Ostroff | Sep. 27, 2015

Heaven gained an angel. That was the consensus at a memorial service Friday morning.

Kennita Whitehead (left), a 19-year-old UF nursing sophomore, hugs Manny Rutinel, a 20-year-old microbiology and economics senior, who dressed in a pig costume for Hug a Vegan Day on Turlington Plaza on Sept. 25, 2015. Student Animal Alliance hosted the event to raise awareness for animal rights.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Keeping it kosher with vegan hugs

By Katelyn Newberg | Sep. 27, 2015

In between student-organization tables on Turlington Plaza, UF senior Manny Rutinel shed his polo shirt for a pink pig onesie.

METRO

Lukewarm debut for iPhone in Gainesville

By Martin Vassolo | Sep. 27, 2015

Brandie Ratliff drove an hour and a half to buy a new iPhone on Friday, with two toddlers in tow.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

52 ejected, 4 arrested at Florida-Tennessee game

By Giuseppe Sabella | Sep. 27, 2015

Authorities arrested two men during Saturday’s football game, including a cashier who reportedly stole from a concession stand and a Tennessee fan who reportedly became too impassioned.

METRO

Domino’s to introduce new pizza theater show in Gainesville

By Brooke Baitinger | Sep. 27, 2015

Gainesville residents will soon be able to catch a behind-the-scenes look at their pizza.

NEWS | CAMPUS

UF project encourages mindfulness

By Danielle Veenstra | Sep. 27, 2015

UF soil and water science professor Sabine Grunwald practices mindfulness everywhere, even in her office. She keeps her yoga mat stashed underneath her desk.

Kourtney Oliver (center), the program coordinator for the Healthiest Weight Florida initiative in Alachua County, runs in the inaugural World Heart Day 5K event at Fred Cone Park on Sept. 26, 2015. Forty-seven people registered to run to raise awareness for heart disease and stroke prevention.

METRO

Inaugural 5K promotes heart health

By Emily Mavrakis | Sep. 27, 2015

Although Wendy Wolf regularly runs three to four times a week, Saturday’s inaugural World Heart Day 5K at Fred Cone Park in Gainesville held a special meaning for her.