The Avenue: Lifestyle - The Independent Florida Alligator

The Avenue

WelcOHMing in the New Year

By ALLISON BANKO | Jan. 5, 2011

Just as the first second of 2011 kicked off with a certain “Jersey Shore” nugget dropping down in a giant MTV ball, it hit you, right after that desperate, sloppy smooch. It’s New Year’s resolution time, baby. It’s the year for closet-cleaning and working more on saving the cash flow than slurping it down at Salty Dog. And most importantly, getting those post-holiday bods into shape. Of course, getting fit is no uncommon resolution. And, not surprisingly, within the first couple of days on campus, the gym crowd has exploded, and the number of runners necessary to dodge on the walk to class could be compared to a game of “Frogger.”

The Avenue

The low-down on our top study spots

By LAUREN GOLD | Dec. 1, 2010

Here’s something that’s not in your textbook: Our study routines (or lack thereof) just aren’t working. So, in the spirit of the quickly approaching finals week, the Avenue created the ultimate study guide. Armed with our own homework — and short attention spans — we investigated all over campus and found the best and worst locations for our academic needs.

The Avenue

The A-list

By Melinda Cartensen | Dec. 1, 2010

Each Thursday, the Avenue is serving up the best in entertainment, pop culture and everything in between. From the big screen to the radio waves, check out this week’s picks.

The Avenue

Make it a holi‘DIY’: Get local, crafty with seasonal shopping

By Kat Bein | Dec. 1, 2010

It’s that time of year again.

The Avenue

The graduate: Get smart with cell

By LANE NIESET | Dec. 1, 2010

Whether you plan on rocking your cap and gown this month or have a few more semesters to trudge through — and we don’t judge, super seniors — let’s be honest: “Pomp and Circumstance” has been on your playlist ever since your Preview adviser told you UF boasts the highest graduation rate in the state. So, as you prepare for your official inauguration into the “real wold,” it’s time to ditch that cinder block in your pocket you call your cell phone.

The Avenue

Dancing with the Dazzlers: Meet the girls with all the moves

By Marissa Prietow | Nov. 17, 2010

Week by week, one by one, Hollywood regulars like Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino, Audrina Patridge and Michael Bolton faced a tough reality: Not everyone makes it on the “Dancing with the Stars” parquet.

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The A-list

By MELINDA CARSTENSEN | Nov. 17, 2010

Each Thursday, the Avenue is serving up the best in entertainment, pop culture and everything in between. From the big screen to the radio waves, check out this week’s picks.

The Avenue

Getting over the semester slump with 13 days to go

By Kat Bein | Nov. 17, 2010

It’s perhaps the most hellish of semester circumstances for students: We’re finished with midterms but still have weeks to go before we can say so long to fall semester and hello to winter break.

The Avenue

Strip club’s food fails to wow

Nov. 9, 2010

Somewhere between the straight-from-Winn-Dixie hamburger bun collapsing to pieces and side items like Ruffles potato chips (which, sadly, taste just like Ruffles potato chips) and one packet of “fancy ketchup,” one thing becomes clear: This restaurant lacks artistic risk.

The Avenue

The A-list

By MELINDA CARSTENSEN | Nov. 3, 2010

Each Thursday, the Avenue is serving up the best in entertainment, pop culture and everything in between. From the big screen to the radio waves, check out this week’s picks.

The Avenue

Challenge: Could you bear your hair for No-Shave November?

By Marissa Prieto | Nov. 3, 2010

No-Shave November. Novembeard. Call it what you want, but the time is upon us. For one month, men and women across the nation will ditch their Gillette and Venus razors to let the natural beauty flow from their faces, legs and any other optional body part.

The Avenue

Feeling fruity? Course is a sweet pick for spring schedules

By ALLISON BANKO | Nov. 3, 2010

It’s breathing in your ear, flashing in the back of your mind and cowering over your shoulder. Spring registration kicked off this week, and ISIS has become the new Facebook in your hunt for a flawless batch of courses. Among the massive mess of course listings nuzzles a one-credit course that’s extra sweet: Growing Fruit for Fun and Profit (FRC1010).

The Avenue

The Crusty: A poem about our favorite Fest goer

By RICHARD STEHLI | Oct. 27, 2010

Editor’s Note: This humor poem was inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven.”

The Avenue

Start the Fest-ivities: Amping up for a weekend of rock

By Benjamin Evans | Oct. 27, 2010

If you’re downtown any time between Friday and Sunday, you’ll probably notice an influx of 15-passenger vans, Paul Bunyan beards, bicycle traffic and Pabst Blue Ribbon beer cans on the side of the road.

The Avenue

The A-List

By MELINDA CARSTENSEN | Oct. 27, 2010

Each Thursday, the Avenue is serving up the best in entertainment, pop culture and everything in between. From the big screen to the radio waves, check out this week’s picks.

The Avenue

Get lost: Gainesville corn maze celebrates Halloween

By Melinda Cartensen | Oct. 27, 2010

All is still and quiet at Rogers Farm but for a faint breeze and the soft, muffled clucks of a few chickens behind barbed wire.

The Avenue

Trick-or treating with the Avenue

Oct. 27, 2010

We’re not in denial: We know we’re a little past our trick-or-treating prime. We know we can no longer strap on a pair of rabbit ears and faux-furball tail without being called a few choice words. We know we’re not getting any candy this year unless we march our non-bunny-costumed selves over to Walgreens (most likely on Nov. 1, when all that cavity-causing goodness goes on sale).

The Avenue

How to belly dance

By Marissa Prieto | Oct. 20, 2010

There’s a specific image that comes to mind when you picture a belly dancer: beaded bras, jingling coin skirts and perfectly toned stomachs.

The Avenue

ORI: Gainesville’s party people

By Kat Bein | Oct. 20, 2010

The people behind some of Gainesville’s biggest parties have more on their minds than just having a good time.

The Avenue

The A-List

By MELINDA CARSTENSEN | Oct. 20, 2010

Each Thursday, the Avenue is serving up the best in entertainment, pop culture and everything in between. From the big screen to the radio waves, check out this week’s picks.