El Caimán

---

Clubs no fun without crowds

As a UF student willing to pay good money to enjoy myself downtown, I find the "one in, one out" rule to be incredibly irritating. Even though clubs seem overcrowded, it is this environment that draws me to them in the first place. Without crowds, the club loses its ambience and appeal. I always go downtown with a group of friends, and I know I would be upset if we could not enter at the same time. I understand there are reasons why overcrowding can be dangerous, but there has to be another way to solve this problem.

Frightening fashion statements on Halloween

I am a true believer in the Mean Girls Halloween philosophy: "Halloween is the one night a year when girls can dress like a total slut, and no other girls can say anything about it." I don't normally condone dressing like a whore, but on Halloween, anything goes. Halloween is the time to be something you're not, so if you want to dress up as a sexy nun or a sexy nurse, go ahead. No one has the right to judge you on that night.

Day off would entice students to vote

The next time you see my beautiful mug gracing the Alligator, we will have a new president. No recount. No Supreme Court. Only our 44th president.

Album review: Keane - "Perfect Symmetry"

Economy in crisis. Russia flexing military muscle. Metallica kicking ass. Yeah baby, it's the 80s all over again. Keane's look could use a perm and spandex, but their neon-flecked sound is already primped for the Jazzercise age. On "Perfect Symmetry," the British three-piece swaps their emo-piano fetish for synth-spiked, Ric Ocasek-approved retro goodness. The way-back machine takes full effect on the shockingly melodic "You Haven't Told Me Anything," which floats on breezy harmonies and hip-shaking new wave guitar. "Again & Again" only ups the pop ante with an absolutely explosive chorus. The bridge alone could erase the memory of "Is It Any Wonder?" Hell, it could single-handedly take down the Berlin Wall and vindicate Reaganomics: the good-idea trickle-down effect at last reaches Keane.

UF considers bicycle rental program

UF is considering a plan to implement a $200,000 bicycle program in hopes of becoming more environmentally friendly and alleviating car congestion on campus.

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.