El Caimán

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Album review: Monkey - "Journey to the West"

English singer-songwriter Damon Albarn obviously has an affinity for primates. In his new incarnation as Monkey, the Gorillaz mastermind combines his love of hairy apes and the Far East in "Journey to the West," an ambient document that completely rationalizes stifling imagination at a young age. It's creative if nothing else, melding oriental instrumentation, electronic beats and the lyrical musings of geishas and dragon kings. "Monkey Bee," a hypnotic, synthesized rocker, arrives about twenty tracks too late and proves one of few passages to translate cleverness into actual appeal. The spastic chalk-board screech "Battle in Heaven," on the other hand, is payback enough for years of tainted crayons and chemically activated toys. As the opera progresses, the cultural connections emerge. You hit a great wall halfway through. The rest is like water torture.

Terminate technology

Google recently released a feature known as Mail Goggles in an effort to prevent Gmail users from firing out drunken e-mails, which they might regret sending soon after it arrives in an ex's inbox - "i luv u babie, take me bac."

Bicycle rental program would benefit students

The green movement isn't showing any signs of slowing at UF. Unfortunately, this may spell disaster for many pink-bellied beach cruisers who lack the 21-speed savvy of seasoned cyclists.

Genome Project expert speaks at genetics symposium

Within five years, people will be able to buy a complete map of their genes for $1,000, said Dr. Francis Collins, former leader of the Human Genome Project, to a crowd of about 400 people in the Cancer & Genetics Research Complex on Wednesday.

Local organizations reach out to homeless during cold weather

While some Gainesville residents break out winter coats and pour hot cocoa to deal with recent cold weather, others are struggling to find warm clothes and shelter.

'High School Musical 3: Senior Year' cheesier than your high school prom

So let me "break this down for you": In "High School Musical 3: Senior Year," teen dreamboat Troy Bolton (Zac Efron) is dealing with a lot of problems. Gifted at both sports and theater (gasp), Troy doesn't know what to pursue. He wants to follow his best friend Chad (Corbin Bleu) and play basketball at the fictional University of Albuquerque, but his burning theatrical passions are keeping him back. To make matters worse, he's up for a Juilliard scholarship, and as if this weren't enough, Troy's heart beckons to a different call.

Ruberry shows she belongs in starting lineup

It took just three games for Liz Ruberry to lose her starting job.

Sex required for pregnancy

According to Bethany Koch, women don't have "easy and affordable access to birth control and abortions," and "without access to affordable birth control and comprehensive abortion rights, women can't control if or when they have children." Wow.

Columnist goes around the world of UF sports

All right folks, this week Phil on the Hill returns to its old lineup format. And in honor of the rain-shortened World Series Game 5, we will discuss exactly 3 1/2 topics in order to help you finish your bus ride or class or wherever you decide to give me a few moments of your time.

UF College of Medicine in talks to add new building

UF's College of Medicine is looking to add another building to campus.

Wilson not practicing

Junior offensive lineman Ron Wilson is not practicing and "has got to take care of some business," according to coach Urban Meyer, before he gets back on the field.

Keeping it PC

When we heard that a Jacksonville high school was going to change its name because it was named after a controversial historical figure, all we could think of was the movie "Forrest Gump."

The ObamaBot

One in, one out

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.

Safety zones to aid fans at Georgia game

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.

Not the same UF defense

It wasn't long ago that UF's rushing defense was a sieve and depth on the defensive line was unheard of.

Second Chance: Gators hope for turnaround season in 2008

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

Governor extends poll hours for early voting

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

City proposes using GPD to control club overcrowding

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

Substantive discussion of women’s issues lacking in election

"How much emotion is too much?"