1 - The Independent Florida Alligator

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

The Alligrammy Awards

By THOMAS NASSIFF< | Feb. 9, 2011

Every year, national record executives and experts honor who they think are the best of the best in the music industry. Here, we’ve narrowed down Gainesville’s best — musicians who for the past year have unknowingly competed for awards in categories similar to those in the Grammys. For the first time ever, the Avenue presents its top picks for locally formed acts. We introduce to you: the Alligrammys.

THE AVENUE | FASHION

What to wear on Valentine's Day

By Dana Burke | Feb. 9, 2011

Valentine's Day was cute in fourth grade when everyone got cards and candy from their classmates. In college, it's just another Hallmark holiday that makes the single community feel less than adequate. But luckily, whether your Facebook status reads "single," "in a relationship" or "it's complicated," Valentine's Day is a great excuse to buy a new outfit.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Tips for a steamy night in

By Richard O. Stehli | Feb. 9, 2011

Valentine’s Day is here, so we’ll all be heading to our favorite restaurants for fancy dinners under ambient lighting, right? Not this guy.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

On the Table: Budget tests Scott’s bargaining skills

By The Alligator Editorial Board | Feb. 9, 2011

Looks like it’s time for our favorite dead-eyed, Voldemort-impersonating governor to backtrack.

NEWS | CAMPUS

UF grad’s piano bar offers musical variety

By Britt Perkins | Feb. 9, 2011

Take a step into Rockeys Dueling Piano Bar downtown and enter the world of Billy Joel. And T-Pain. And Garth Brooks.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

AMPED: left-fielder Kelsey Bruder

By Benjamin Evans | Feb. 9, 2011

Kelsey Bruder is a UF softball player who’s beefed up her personal music catalog since moving to Florida to attend UF.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Video games your girlfriend won’t hate

By Andrew Wyzan | Feb. 9, 2011

Valentine’s Day is upon us yet again. Whether you’re single, in a relationship or just have a vendetta against Hallmark, it’s inescapable. Candy hearts will rain from the skies, and the streets will run white with teddy-bear stuffing.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Wishing a new saint would march in

By Robert Imfeld | Feb. 9, 2011

When I bumbled my way into high school and realized I’d have to start working for Valentine’s Day treats rather than receiving a bag of candy from classmates simply for existing, I got a little sad.

METRO

Gainesville ranks ninth on Amazon.com's 2011 list of top 20 romantic US cities

By Morgan Watkins | Feb. 9, 2011

Feel the love, Gators.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Healthy sweet stuff

By Mae Basiratmand | Feb. 9, 2011

Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love. And with that, for whatever reason, we’re exposed to copious amounts of chocolate, tempting those of us on a health kick.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

The A-list

By LAUREN GOLD | Feb. 9, 2011

WATCH: The Grammy Awards

OPINION | COLUMNS

Everyone faces AIDS risk

By Andrew Briefman | Feb. 9, 2011

At least Brett Wagner didn’t use the, “But I have lots of gay friends,” excuse in his attack on the LGBT community in Monday’s paper.

NEWS

Campus improv group laughs off adversity

By Sami Main | Feb. 9, 2011

In case you haven’t noticed, the Gator Nation is all about tradition.

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Parsons coming into his own during SEC play

By GREG LUCA | Feb. 8, 2011

Whether it was a late turnover in a loss to Jacksonville, a refreshing Christmas break or even a familiarity with conference foes, something flipped a switch for Chandler Parsons.

SPORTS | COLUMNS

With void at first, McMahan preparing to seize opportunity

Feb. 8, 2011

The key to Preston Tucker’s move to right field has little to do with Preston Tucker.

SPORTS | WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

THE LOOK THAT SHINES

By MATT WATTS< | Feb. 8, 2011

When freshman guard Brittany Shine comes off the floor during a game, she removes her mouthpiece and sticks it in her sock.

SPORTS | SOFTBALL

Florida to utilize Schutte’s flexibility

By STEPHEN SHEEHAN< | Feb. 8, 2011

To simply say sophomore Brittany Schutte is versatile would be an understatement.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS TENNIS

UF tops USF in first test

Feb. 8, 2011

The No. 2 Florida women’s tennis team fought its way to a 5-2 victory over No. 25 South Florida on Tuesday in Linder Stadium at Ring Tennis Complex.

METRO

County discusses opening fairgrounds site to businesses

By Meredith Rutland | Feb. 8, 2011

The Alachua County Fairgrounds may house offices instead of medieval fairs.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Senate passes resolution against guns on campus

By Hannah Winston | Feb. 8, 2011

It wasn’t a scene from a western shootout, but Tuesday’s Student Senate meeting was full of heated debate.

El Caimán