The Avenue

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Sports games for people who don’t like sports games

I never understood the allure of the “Madden NFL” franchise. Aside from the greatest sports commentator who ever lived, the game is boring if you’re not a sports fanatic. EA Sports’ dedication to realism in  games is good for the guy who has an NFL season pass on his Direct TV, but what about the rest of us? What about the gamer who doesn’t want to manage a franchise and just wants to play a simple, fun football game?

The A-List

READ: Pictures of You by Caroline Leavitt

Little Black Dress Guide

AMPED with UF athletes: soccer player Sarah Chapman

Whether it’s before sleep, practice or a soccer match, UF midfielder Sarah Chapman loves her music. In fact, she has more than 5,000 songs in her iTunes library.

To spend less, take a trip through time

Out with the new, and in with the old. Every day, it seems that thrift stores are becoming a more avant-garde venue for shopping. And here in Gainesville, students and residents alike are lucky to have access to stores beyond the common man’s Goodwill. In fact, we’d go so far as to say Gainesville’s got a vintage selection that’s the Rolls-Royce of second-hand-shop selections. Peruse the merchandise at these retailers and you’ll be sure to snatch a find that’s one-of-a-kind. After all, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

Coupons: Not just for your mom

Just because you're in college doesn't mean you can't have your gourmet meal and eat it, too. While you're at it, work an occasional massage into your schedule, or even a trip to the bowling alley with a big group of friends.

The A-List

READ: Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

Indie band Hellogoodbye plays in Gainesville

Just four and a half years ago, Hellogoodbye stood atop the pop music scene. The band's 2006 release, "Zombies! Aliens! Vampires! Dinosaurs!", sold more than half-a-million copies and hit the top spot of the U.S. indie charts - an impressive feat for a first record.

The best of the cheap for smart cash (and calorie) spenders

A lot of pesky things can get in the way of drinking lots of alcohol: school, work, parents, religion, money — and the list goes on. In good conscience, I can’t help you with your obligations to time or morality, but I can help you drink on a budget. No matter the occasion and no matter the financial limitations, there’s an affordable drink for you.

Fine meals for a fine price

Hard up for cash, but you still want to eat like a king? Need to impress your date, but financial aid hasn't come in yet? No need to fear - the word "gourmet" refers to taste, not cost. Here are a few tips on saving money while still eating real food.

Stars still aligned: horoscopes the same, experts say

Social media sites were ablaze last week with outraged updates after news reports said the horoscope we knew and loved was all wrong.

Spin away the cash blues

Nielsen SoundScan released a report earlier this month indicating a 14 percent increase in vinyl record sales from 2009 to 2010, with 2.8 million albums sold last year. The Beatles’ “Abbey Road”, Arcade Fire’s “The Suburbs” and The Black Keys’ “Brothers” topped the list in sales.

Cheap, fun games for cheap, fun people

Like many students, I’m pretty much broke. I’ve eaten Burger King at least six times this week, I worship ramen, and every penny saved is a video game earned. Spending $50 or more on a blockbuster title might make gamers into mindless slaves of consumerism and pretty graphics, but that is a curse we’re willing to live with.

Healthy and wealthy couldn’t be wiser

College students are known for a sordid diet of ramen and delivered pizza. And we get it: Being on a budget hardly allows for filet mignon and crème brûlée as dinner options. But, believe it or not, eating healthy and tasty can be done on limited funds. Check out these tips to see how.

Underneath 'Skins'

Before MTV's scandalous new series "Skins" premiered on Jan. 17, commercials teased audiences with clips of sex, drugs and crazily behaved teenagers - all factors that seemed to make its U.K. counterpart a hit.

Not easy being green? With help, planting made simple

If you’re looking to revamp your home decor and your attitude, the resolution could be simple: Liven up your living space.

The A-List

READ: Shit my Dad Says

Tune-up could be in store for local radio

President Barack Obama’s signing of the Local Community Radio Act earlier this month gave music fans hope for a future of more diversity on the airwaves. The act allows for the development of hundreds of low-power FM (LPFM) stations across the country — something that has been a long-standing feat for industry workers, as many believe LPFMs cause too much interference with commercial radio stations.

Lens Flair

For the latest frills, flair and everything fashion, check out what our lens caught this week.

Microsoft laughs to the bank — and gamers have fun, too

The holiday season has descended into its dark, twilight hours. The hot-ticket items have gone back to sleep in storage, and bottom-bin sales fill stores with the unwanted dregs of the free market. Last year in the technology industry, no items reigned more supreme than the Microsoft Kinect.