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Opinion

US owes veterans more than just one day out of the year

Nov. 13, 2014

I sincerely hope that everyone here in Gainesville had a great Veterans Day. Remembering those who have served our country — both the living and those who have passed away or died in action — is incredibly important. Our government is right to set aside a day for celebration and respect for the brave human beings who lay down their lives in the name of protecting every citizen of the U.S. Whether you agree with the military policies and actions the U.S. government has taken throughout history, the sacrifices made by our soldiers should never be diminished.

Michelle Zamperlini, an 18-year-old UF exploratory freshman, sits in front of the photos of the 43 protesters who went missing in Ayotzinapa, Mexico on Turlington Plaza Thursday evening. “One of them looks exactly like my cousin,” she says, as she clasps her hands in remembrance of the lives that were lost.

Metro

Candlelit vigil honors slain Mexican students

By Ariana Figueroa | Nov. 13, 2014

The faces of the 43 slain Mexican students were illuminated by candles at a vigil held on Turlington Plaza on Thursday night.

Rapper 2 Chainz performs on stage at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center on Thursday night. 2 Chainz, along with rapper Action Bronson, were brought to UF by Student Government Productions.

University

2 Chainz, Action Bronson perform at O’Connell Center

By Emily Cardinali | Nov. 13, 2014

2 Chainz only wore one chain last night, and Action Bronson wished he could “light some weed up” with fans.

University

StudentUniverse email a mistake

By Patrick Pinak | Nov. 13, 2014

Kathleen O’Leary received a confirmation email Wednesday night for a flight she never booked.

Opinion

No Shave November — for beards, for women...for your genitals? You do you

Nov. 13, 2014

[The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the Alligator.]

Treon Harris looks downfield for a receiver during Florida's 42-13 loss to Missouri on Oct. 18 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Sports

Picks Column: South Carolina

Nov. 13, 2014

Site: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (Cap. 88,548)

Kayla Lewis (22) guards Missouri's Lianna Doty during the Gators' 81-76 loss to the Tigers on Feb. 20.

Sports

Florida women’s basketball ready to showcase new defense in season opener against Jacksonville

By GRAHAM HALL | Nov. 13, 2014

After losing leading playmaker Jaterra Bonds last season to graduation, seemingly nobody is counting on the Florida Gators women’s basketball team to contend this year.

Will Muschamp signals during UF's 38-20 win against UGA on Nov. 1 at EverBank Field in Jacksonville.

Sports

ON THE RISE: Florida looking to cap SEC play with win against struggling South Carolina

By MORGAN MORIARTY | Nov. 13, 2014

This year’s Florida-South Carolina game was supposed to be one of the marquee games within the Southeastern Conference Eastern Division — and it was thought by many to be the deciding factor for which team would represent the East in Atlanta for the SEC Championship.

Michael Frazier II attempts a three-point shot during Florida's 79-70 exhibition win against Barry on Nov. 6.

News

New-look Florida basketball opens season

By ERICA HERNANDEZ | Nov. 13, 2014

Tonight could be history in the making for the Florida basketball program. Game 1 of UF’s 2014-15 basketball season tips off at 6 p.m. in the O’Connell Center. The game will also serve as UF’s first ever matchup against William & Mary of the Colonial Athletic Association.

Leon Orr walks off the field after a play in Florida’s 37-20 win against Tennessee on Sept. 15 at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. Orr will miss Saturday’s game with the flu.

Sports

Zoop’s Scoop: Leon Orr ditching the Gators proves he’s not a team player

By JONATHAN CZUPRYN< | Nov. 13, 2014

When parents look for role models in the world of athletics, it’s easy to point out the stars that make the big plays, earn the big bucks and win the big games.

Mac Reynolds races during the 2014 Mountain Dew Invitational on UF's Mark Bostick Golf Course.

Sports

Gators set to race regionals today

By BEN MURPHY | Nov. 13, 2014

In 2013, the Florida men’s and women’s cross country teams entered the NCAA Regional championship with an NCAA Finals berth tucked away in their back pocket.

UF coach Mary Wise talks to her team during a timeout in Florida's 3-0 win against Auburn.

Sports

Florida preparing for stiff road match against Kentucky

By EDEN OTERO | Nov. 13, 2014

While Florida hasn’t run into any roadblocks on its path to a Southeastern Conference title, a contest against Kentucky away from home could be the detour the Gators have been trying to avoid.

Christen Westphal dribbles the ball during Florida's 2-1 win against Georgia on Sept. 26 at James G. Pressly Stadium.

Sports

Unconventional: Westphal OK not fitting traditional role in soccer

By GRAHAM HACK | Nov. 13, 2014

Conventional isn’t a four letter word, but for Christen Westphal, it might as well be.

Opinion

Kim K., Elizabeth Warren and Breitbart in Darts & Laurels

Nov. 13, 2014

We’ve had a lot of highs and lows this week. An intellectual high to the futuristic feat of landing a rocket on a comet, and a mind-numbing low to Kim Kardashian’s oily butt that “broke the Internet.” But we have to focus. To warm up for a much anticipated game Saturday against South Carolina, we bring you a please-please-let-the-stars-align-so-we-can-have-a-shot-at-going-to-the-SEC-championship edition of...

The Avenue

Pet stories at The Conch

By Stephanie Wantage | Nov. 12, 2014

Whoever holds the conch, speaks.

Metro

Locals say net neutrality evens competition for small businesses

By Patrick Pinak | Nov. 12, 2014

Alex Whiteside’s company can’t afford to compete with bigger brands like Netflix.

Using social media to meet new people is a growing trend among 20- and 30-somethings. Apps like OkCupid Locals and Blendr let young adults set up instant dates.

News

Swamp of love: Social media and relationships

By Kat Anthony | Nov. 12, 2014

You’re scrolling through your Facebook timeline. Someone posts a funny picture of a friend, and another posts a recipe for how to make brownies. Finally you see them -- that dreaded, five-paragraph long post about how much your friend loves his girlfriend or the 18-picture Instagram collage that shows how great the past five months have been with her new love. Suddenly, social media doesn’t seem like much fun anymore.

The Avenue

Gainesville band brings soul to The Atlantic for album release

By Patrick Glynn | Nov. 12, 2014

When I saw The Savants of Soul live back in June, it was clear to me that they were determined to bring the feel of 1950s and ‘60s soul music to 2014 and beyond. Whether the band has three members, 12 members, or its current 10, it’s likely only a matter of time before its blaring horns, raspy vocals and catchy instrumentals reach your ears and make you get up and groove.

Lira Linx performs Saturday at Dr. Sinn’s Freak Island Musical Sideshow. The show runs again this weekend at The Library at Market Street on Saturday at 7 p.m.

The Avenue

Dr. Sinn's sexy sideshow has a remedy for your fear of clowns

By Jasmine Wildflower Osmond | Nov. 12, 2014

Sexy clowns will take the stage downtown this weekend in an old-timey musical circus extravaganza full of acrobatics, stilt walkers, flame throwing, tap dancing, singing, storytelling and laughter.

Metro

Florida leads nation in fewest teenage smokers

By Gemima Rosier | Nov. 12, 2014

After slashing teen smoking rates by more than 50 percent within 14 years, Florida is now home to the lowest percentage of high school smokers in the nation.