1 - The Independent Florida Alligator

When it comes to Homecoming week, there may be no one busier than UF's rowdy reptiles, Albert and Alberta, who spread spirit around The Gator Nation like its their job because, well, it is.

NEWS | HOMECOMING

UF student designs clothing line geared for game day

By SYDNEE NEWMAN | Oct. 23, 2008

It began with some household cloth, Barbie-outfit stencils and a few Barbie dolls. Years later, her passion for hand-sewing dresses has become a business.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

Part of the Club: Murpy, Ward groomed for volleyball stardom early on

Oct. 23, 2008

Nestled deep into the snowy banks of Aurora, Ill., lies a gold mine of volleyball talent.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Halloween sex column lacked substance

By Liz Martin | Oct. 23, 2008

I was bothered enough to feel compelled to write about Stephanie Dunn's Thursday article "Halloween treats adults to more than candy" in this week's edition of Sex on the Avenue.

AP | SPORTS

Shields, Rays squeeze Phillies to tie World Series

Oct. 23, 2008

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Alligator Editorial Board unprofessional

By JON BOUGHER | Oct. 23, 2008

I'm not sure I can take it anymore, so it's time to play the role of scolding parent.

NEWS | HOMECOMING

Shortened workweek may affect parade turnout

Oct. 23, 2008

This year's Homecoming parade may be greeted by a different crowd than usual at the end of its run downtown.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Ayers’ account should carry more weight

By Derek Helmick | Oct. 23, 2008

What a damn shame.

NEWS | HOMECOMING

Jon Reep act to parody southerners, UF

By LAUREN BAKER | Oct. 23, 2008

In college, Jon Reep was not sure he wanted to be a comedian. But when he was kicked out of a football game for goofy behavior, everything changed for tonight's Gator Growl comedian.

NEWS | HOMECOMING

Businesses expect increased sales for Homecoming

Oct. 23, 2008

The flock of alumni returning to Gainesville for Homecoming weekend is expected to give a boost to local businesses - one that is especially welcome during the economic crisis.

NEWS | HOMECOMING

Gator Growl offers night of music, comedy

By LAUREN BAKER | Oct. 23, 2008

Rain or shine, the show will go on.

METRO

Two scams in Alachua County target elderly

Oct. 22, 2008

Two reports of scams Tuesday that totaled $11,000 and targeted the elderly could be connected, according to Gainesville Police.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Album review: Rachael Yamagata – "Elephants … Teeth Sinking Into Heart"

By ROBERT HILSON | Oct. 22, 2008

Dow, Pacman - it sucks to be a Jones these days. So to ward off any negative surname karma, Norah has officially changed her name to Rachael Yamagata, piano-crooner extraordinaire. On "Elephants…Teeth Sinking Into Heart," Yamagata - if that's really her name - makes understated, acoustic music for coffee houses. For all of their nuance and organic instrumentation, "What If I Leave" - answer: I probably wouldn't notice because I fell asleep half an hour ago - and "Over and Over" match herbal tea for sheer excitement. It comes as a kick in the stomach when, for the love of PJ Harvey, disc two erupts with three vicious, melodic rockers. Maybe the Norah comparisons are off, but that's what she gets for making me suffer through the "Elephant" tranquilizer.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Despicable

By The Alligator Editorial Board | Oct. 22, 2008

Enduring an economic crisis does not justify devolving into a reprehensible, socially irrelevant miscreant, which is exactly the transformation people undergo when they decide to make ends meet by scamming and robbing the elderly.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Album review: Murs – "Murs for President"

By ROBERT HILSON | Oct. 22, 2008

Where would democracy be without the third party? Exactly where it is today, but don't tell that to Murs. With "Murs for President," the L.A. rapper throws his hat into the political ring with a free-styling beat-fest that's both wordy and repetitive - he would make a great stump speech. His everyman message: "You might think that you know me / You know where I'm coming from." Actually no, Murs, we don't know you, so let's begin the vetting process. His stance on immigration, from "Lookin' Fly": "My Brazilian / She worth a few million / Beauty and brains / Might let her have my children." Surprisingly tolerant! Foreign policy experience, from "Soo Comfortable": "Moved away from Maui to European valleys." Hell, he's probably pals with Sarkozy. But can he pull the female vote? From guitar-riff laden "Road Is My Religion": "Every night different women want to please me." I think we have ourselves a contender.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS SWIM AND DIVE

Gators sink Tigers in SEC opener

By RYAN LEVICK | Oct. 22, 2008

The UF men's swim team opened up its Southeastern Conference season against LSU on Wednesday, downing the Tigers 166-131 and improving its all-time record against LSU to 19-0.

El Caimán