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OPINION | EDITORIALS

Darts & Laurels 11/15/13

Nov. 14, 2013

Gainesville was straight-up COLD this week. We’re talking hats, gloves, coats and boots. On days like those, it’s hard to get out of bed and face the world — a pile of blankets, a mug of cocoa and a Netflix binge sound way more appealing than class. But you’re all champs: You went to class, you studied hard and now it’s Friday. Treat yo’self to a peppermint mocha latte, and enjoy this week’s edition of Darts & Laurels.

Da’Shawn Hand, the No. 1 recruit in the Class of 2014 according to Rivals.com, celebrates after committing to Alabama over Florida and Michigan on Thursday afternoon at a ceremony at Woodbridge (Va.) Senior High.

SPORTS | BLOGS RECRUITING

Hand picks Alabama over Florida, Michigan

By LANDON WATNICK< | Nov. 14, 2013

The Gators needed a Hand but could not get one.

Mike Davis (28) carries the ball during South Carolina’s 34-16 victory against Mississippi State on Nov. 2 in Columbia, S.C. Davis leads the Southeastern Conference in rushing yards per game.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Former UF commit to challenge Gators’ defense

By ADAM PINCUS< | Nov. 13, 2013

Mike Davis felt burned by Florida.

Havana Solaun (19) fights for the ball during Florida’s 2-0 win against Oklahoma State on Sept. 6 at James G. Pressly Stadium.

SPORTS | SOCCER

Solaun to miss NCAA Tournament after suffering ACL tear

By MICHELLE PROVENZANO< | Nov. 13, 2013

The Gators are down a leader.

UF President Bernie Machen, associate director of bands Jay Watkins and others pose behind the Sudler Trophy during Saturday’s Homecoming game halftime show.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Gator band marches to greatness despite disappointing football season

By Daniela Prizont-Cado | Nov. 13, 2013

The Pride of the Sunshine was awarded the Sudler Trophy, known as the “Heisman Trophy of the collegiate band world,” at Saturday’s Homecoming game halftime show.

METRO

Black Friday sales starting night of Thanksgiving

By Rebecca Turkel | Nov. 13, 2013

An early start to Black Friday could affect locals’ Thanksgiving traditions this year.

METRO

Organizations collect winter wear for homeless

By Ashley Crane | Nov. 13, 2013

The man walked about eight miles to the doors of Lazarus Restoration Ministries Inc. with hopes of getting a new blanket to help him through the winter.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Free blood glucose tests today on campus for Diabetes Awareness Month

By Maria Llorens | Nov. 13, 2013

The UF Student Health Care Center is offering free blood glucose tests as part of UF’s Diabetes Awareness Month.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Fickle Florida weather leaves students chilled — for now

By Jensen Werley | Nov. 13, 2013

The cold weather blew in and took UF students by surprise Wednesday when the weather dropped to the 40s. But the cold snap is temporary.

U.S. forward Abby Wambach (20) tries to head the ball in the goal during the first half of an international friendly soccer match against Brazil in Orlando on Sunday.

SPORTS | SOCCER

Wambach continues to shine

By MICHELLE PROVENZANO< | Nov. 13, 2013

ORLANDO — Abby Wambach continues to leave the rest of the world in the dust.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Gainesville man arrested after threatening wife

By Kathryn Varn | Nov. 13, 2013

Gainesville Police arrested a local man Tuesday after police reported he threatened his wife with a knife then attacked several officers.

Ziva Recek reaches for the ball during Florida’s three-set victory against Tennessee on Oct. 27 in the O’Connell Center.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

Florida sweeps South Carolina

By ERICA A. HERNANDEZ | Nov. 13, 2013

Ziva Recek got off to a slow start against South Carolina on Wednesday night.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Alumna traveling for acts of kindness

By Megan Reeves | Nov. 13, 2013

A UF alumna has begun a road trip in hopes of meeting the needs of strangers through random acts of kindness.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Flash mob keeps participants guessing

By Amanda Arevalo | Nov. 13, 2013

A group of students wearing red, blue, yellow and green shirts gathered on the North Lawn on Wednesday with nothing but headphones, MP3 players and deflated balloons.

Paul Folkers, assistant Gainesville city manager, voices his opinions on the possible construction of more sidewalk cafes in Gainesville at the City Community Development Committee meeting Wednesday.

METRO | CITY COUNTY COMMISSION

Regulations for sidewalk cafes change, could affect downtown

By McKenzie Collard | Nov. 13, 2013

Outdoor seating may go mainstream for Main Street venues.

Students from Dance Marathon set up a jail on Turlington Plaza on Wednesday afternoon. Members had a “bail” set, and pedestrians could pay for their release. In return, the dancers would perform. All proceeds were donated to Dance Marathon and Children’s Miracle Network.

NEWS | CAMPUS

"Jailed" students fundraise for bail to donate to Dance Marathon

By Alex Harris | Nov. 13, 2013

Students passing through Turlington Plaza on Wednesday might have been alarmed to see begging students inside a giant cage, but don’t worry — it was for the kids.

METRO

Solar businesses emphasize safety following Best Buy fire

By Brooke Austill | Nov. 13, 2013

As an investigation continues into the cause of a solar panel fire that closed Best Buy for about two hours last week, local businesses with solar panel systems are emphasizing that solar is safe.

OPINION | COLUMNS

University presidential candidates should appear in the Sunshine

Nov. 13, 2013

Amid the revelations that the government watches nearly everything we do, it may come as a surprise that states have actual laws ensuring government transparency.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Gimme the loot: New ranking should make humanities majors uneasy

Nov. 13, 2013

As a wise poet once said, “Cash rules everything around me/C.R.E.A.M. get the money/dolla dolla bill y’aaaaaall.”

Jaterra Bonds attempts a shot during Florida's 88-77 victory against North Florida on Nov. 10 in the O'Connell Center.

SPORTS | WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Gators preparing for road test tonight

By GORDON STREISAND< | Nov. 13, 2013

Slowly but surely, the Gators’ competition stiffens as the season progresses.

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