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The Avenue

Album review: The Secret Machines - "Secret Machines"

By ROBERT HILSON | Oct. 29, 2008

The comparisons between the Secret Machines and Joe the Plumber are all but unavoidable with said band's self-titled third album. Both phenomena receive way more attention than they deserve, have prominent direct articles in their names and now specialize in releasing crap. Things weren't always this way for the once-promising New York space-rockers. "Last Believer, Drop Dead" - addressed to their fan, perhaps? - showcases a fleeting bit of potential with appropriate grandiosity built by big, fuzzy guitar lines and a truly exhilarating chorus. "Have I Run Out" is more typical fare, as it sets psychedelic Dungeons-and-Dragons-styled ramblings to blunt-riffed agro-noise. The song mercifully ends at around eight minutes; the band's fame at fifteen.

The Avenue

Q&A with David Alan Grier

By CAITLIN HEAD | Oct. 29, 2008

On his new show, David Alan Grier dares to ask the question that's been on everyone's mind: What the hell happened to hip-hop? When did "Fight the power" become "Wait 'til you see my dick"?

Metro

Woman arrested after chase in stolen car

By KATIE GALLAGHER | Oct. 29, 2008

A woman was arrested in Southeast Gainesville on Wednesday morning after police reported that she led them on a chase in a stolen car.

The Avenue

Album review: Lucinda Williams - "Little Honey"

By ROBERT HILSON | Oct. 29, 2008

I always play it safe with a simple "Hello" because the rare few misinterpret "Hi, how you doing?" as "Hi, tell me how crappy your day was in the context of your life story." Lucinda Williams - a.k.a. Debbie Downer - is one of these people. With "Little Honey," the aging country maven spills her guts with songs about stalling Chevys and drunken lovers, all in a self-ingratiating attempt to fulfill a patience-trying time quota. Williams has a cheese grater for a voice, and on the inebriated "Jailhouse Tears," she sings in down-home Southernisms that twist the life out of unsuspecting vowels. It briefly occurred to me this record could be collaborated to sound perfectly tuneful if you're actually hung over, so start drinking or just nod your head and pretend like you're listening.

News

Board to vote on chancellor

By THOMAS STEWART | Oct. 28, 2008

University of North Florida President John Delaney may take over some duties of the outgoing chancellor of Florida's Board of Governors.

Sports

What players would say if they could

Oct. 28, 2008

As I left the UF-Georgia game last season, two thoughts ran through my head.

Opinion

Biased activists are just campaigners

By KYLE MORGAN | Oct. 28, 2008

Maybe Graham Clark can help me find one of these early voting activists who are doing their civic duty and helping everybody vote early. So far, I haven't found one on my own.

News

Student-made robot promotes Obama on campus

Oct. 28, 2008

It crawled down the Turlington Plaza pavement Tuesday afternoon, clenching its iron fists and beaming its blue eyes at everyone in its path.

News

Author speaks at UF about boys' education issues

By THOMAS STEWART | Oct. 28, 2008

Colleges and schools at every level are becoming feminized, said Peg Tyre, author of the best-selling book "The Trouble With Boys," in a speech at UF on Tuesday.

News

Students offer free computer repairs, software

By KAITLIN MULHERE | Oct. 28, 2008

Computer-savvy students will tackle common computer woes until Thursday at Free Your PC.

Opinion

Yes, We Van: Early voting efforts pay off in high turnout

By The Alligator Editorial Board | Oct. 28, 2008

Editorial Board foot, meet Editorial Board mouth.

News

Police talk UF employee down from rooftop

By KATIE GALLAGHER | Oct. 28, 2008

A UF employee standing at the edge of the roof of the Dental Tower was talked down by University Police on Tuesday afternoon.

Metro

Biden speaks to 3,500 in Ocala

By KATIE EMMETS | Oct. 28, 2008

Democratic vice presidential candidate Sen. Joe Biden told a shivering crowd in Ocala on Tuesday that he would devote every waking hour to solving two objectives: restore the middle class and reclaim America's respect in the world.

Opinion

Election defeat would revitalize McCain

Oct. 28, 2008

When I first registered to vote in 1999, I registered as a Republican. I did so to vote in the 2000 Republican Presidential primary for Sen. John McCain, when he ran against then-Texas Gov. George W. Bush.

Opinion

Substantive discussion of women’s issues lacking in election

By Bethany Koch | Oct. 28, 2008

"How much emotion is too much?"

Opinion

One in, one out

By The Alligator Editorial Board | Oct. 28, 2008

We've got some potentially devastating news for all of UF's serious pregamers: The city's Public Safety Committee has recommended that the Gainesville Police join forces with Gainesville Fire Rescue to prevent overcrowding at the local bars and clubs.

Metro

City proposes using GPD to control club overcrowding

Oct. 28, 2008

A proposed cooperation between police officers and firefighters might reduce fire safety hazards of crowded clubs in Gainesville.

Metro

Governor extends poll hours for early voting

By LAUREN IRIZARRY | Oct. 28, 2008

A record early voter turnout has led Gov. Charlie Crist to declare a state of emergency extending poll hours statewide.

News

Second Chance: Gators hope for turnaround season in 2008

Oct. 28, 2008

As Nick Calathes walked off the court at Madison Square Garden, the feeling of failure began to wash over him.

Metro

Safety zones to aid fans at Georgia game

By THOMAS STEWART | Oct. 28, 2008

Students who find themselves separated from their friends or sobriety at the UF-Georgia game this weekend can stop by one of three safe zones near The Jacksonville Landing and get some help.