1 - The Independent Florida Alligator

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Long overdue album from Mikky Ekko a rollercoaster of emotions

By Ashlyn Pinter | Jan. 28, 2015

Artist Mikky Ekko started the year off with the release of his debut LP, “Time,” which felt long overdue for fans who discovered his passion-driven vocals after his feature on Rihanna’s hit song, “Stay.” Ekko bares his soul on each of the 12 tracks on the album, which was released Jan. 20. His album references the concept of love and time all the way through. Each song provides diverse sound, perspective and emotion to the listeners who lend their ears to this album.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Flavor, smell of food affected by in-flight time

By Keri | Jan. 28, 2015

Have you ever wondered why food tastes different on airplanes? Brownies taste bland, and peanuts taste plain, but bloody marys taste richer? Flavor is a combination of your taste buds and sense of smell, and according to research by Charles Spence, a professor of experimental psychology at Oxford University, these senses are affected in higher altitudes. The low air pressure and lack of humidity affect your sense of taste, reducing your detection of saltiness and sweetness. At the same time, sour, bitter and spicy flavors remain unaffected, and umami notes (like tomatoes and cheese) actually seem stronger in the air than on the ground.

THE AVENUE | ART AND THEATER

UF rendition of 'Phantom of the Opera' sells out weekend shows

By Courtney Culbreath | Jan. 28, 2015

Let the dream begin at UF this weekend when the longest-running show in Broadway history comes to campus for the first time.

Nicole Byer of MTV’s “Girl Code” will be at the Reitz Union Grand Ballroom Friday at 9 p.m. as part of the all-female trio comedy improv group, Cat Ladies.

THE AVENUE | ART AND THEATER

Some cool cats to perform improv at the Reitz on Friday

By Laura Gomez | Jan. 28, 2015

An all-female comedy improvisation group by the name of Cat Ladies will be putting on a show at the Reitz Union on Friday night.

NEWS | CAMPUS STUDENT GOVERNMENT

Access Party aims to make Student Government open to all students

By Ariana Figueroa | Jan. 27, 2015

The Swamp Party won’t be the only party with executive candidates in the upcoming Spring 2015 Student Government elections.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Collection of 15 short films brings Malaysian social issues to the States

By Elena Castello | Jan. 27, 2015

Sarjit Kellerman left her home country of Malaysia more than 30 years ago, but Tuesday night, she got a taste of the issues her native country faces.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Malware infects staff, faculty computers on campus through email

By Alyssa Fisher | Jan. 27, 2015

A malicious email infected several hundred computers used by UF faculty and staff Monday morning.

NEWS | CAMPUS STUDENT GOVERNMENT

UF Senate funds Christian Athletes, SDS, proposes public safety solution

By Cyanne Dunn | Jan. 27, 2015

After Tuesday night’s UF Student Senate meeting, Christian athletes and Students for a Democratic Society are now able to fund their organizations’ events for another year.

NATIONAL | NEWS

Snowpocalype doesn't trouble northern bound or northern living Gators

By Aaron Zeiler | Jan. 27, 2015

While the sun shines down upon the Swamp, New England is being battered by high winds and heavy snow.

NEWS | CAMPUS

UF’s ISIS being phased out, will help avoid Islamic State connection

By Cyanne Dunn | Jan. 27, 2015

UF’s decision to replace the current student records system has one UF student feeling especially relieved.

Freshman Alex McMurtry competes on the uneven parallel bars during Florida's win against Auburn on Friday in the O'Connell Center.

SPORTS | GYMNASTICS

Alex McMurtry producing for UF gymnastics despite back pain

By GRAHAM HACK | Jan. 27, 2015

Many gymnasts likely wish they had half the talent of Alex McMurtry.

The Gators began their championship run with a bang after Delanie Gourley no-hit the Rattlers in the opening game of the NCAA Regionals.
In a shortened five-inning contest (UF run ruled FAMU 8-0), Gourley struck out seven and only surrendered one walk.
She recorded Florida’s 15th no-hitter in program history and the first ever during the postseason.

SPORTS | SOFTBALL

Delanie Gourley has room to grow in sophomore year

By Luis Torres | Jan. 27, 2015

Delanie Gourley was an anomaly entering her freshman season on the UF softball team.

Dorian Finney-Smith dunks during Florida's 72-47 win against Mississippi State on Saturday in the O'Connell Center.

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Doe-Doe delivers dunk to seal UF win

By ERICA A. HERNANDEZ | Jan. 27, 2015

Dorian Finney-Smith may have scored just one basket Tuesday night against Alabama, but it was the one that counted.

Outfielder Harrison Bader bats during Florida’s 4-0 win against Ole Miss on March 31, 2013, at McKethan Stadium.

SPORTS | BASEBALL

UF baseball focused on returning to College World Series

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | Jan. 27, 2015

The Florida baseball team was satisfied with how the story of its 2014 season played out.

Kathleen Hawk, center, speaks with Adolfo Leyva de Varona and Lillian Guerra in Pugh Hall on Tuesday night at a discussion panel about the Mariel Boatlift of 1980.

NEWS | CAMPUS

UF professor moderates talk with ‘Mariel Boatlift’ authors

By Hunter Williamson | Jan. 27, 2015

Hundreds of Cuban spies infiltrated the U.S. when up to 125,000 Cubans immigrated to Florida in 1980.

Nicole Giaquinto, a 20-year-old UF public relations sophomore, displays a chocolate-covered ice pop at The Hyppo Gourmet Ice Pops on Monday evening. The Hyppo opened its doors for the first time this weekend.

METRO

UF graduate expands downtown ice pop business with two locations

By James McLaughlin | Jan. 27, 2015

A gourmet ice pop store is expanding across town with the addition of two new pop shops.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Tour de Fuchs: UF prez to go on multi-city speaking tour

By Zee Krstic | Jan. 27, 2015

UF President Kent Fuchs will begin a multi-city tour Friday during which he’ll share his goals for his presidency and plans for making UF a top 10 public research university.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Orphaned students awarded scholarships to UF Young Leaders Conference

By Caroline Robbins | Jan. 27, 2015

Twelve orphans were given the tools to emerge as leaders on a trip to UF.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Police: Man fights with officer, committed under Baker Act

By EMILY COCHRANE< | Jan. 27, 2015

A Gainesville man was admitted to the hospital under the Baker Act on Monday night after he reportedly fought with a police officer.

Mark Parrish (left) and Jimmy Clark run during the SEC Championships on Nov. 1 in Gainesville. The NCAA Championships begin today.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS TRACK

Florida track and field still has room to improve despite early season success

By Kyle Brutman | Jan. 27, 2015

Despite his men’s squad losing its top spot in the USTFCCCA rankings, coach Mike Holloway said he was pleased with how the Gators men’s and women’s track and field teams have performed across the board.

El Caimán