The Avenue - The Independent Florida Alligator

THE AVENUE | ART AND THEATER

Streetcar Q & A with set designer Kent Barrett

By KIRK WILLIAMS | Sep. 23, 2009

Kent Barrett is the set designer for UF's production of "A Streetcar Named Desire." He is also a fourth-year graduate student seeking a Master of Fine Arts degree in scenic design. He spoke with the Avenue about his experiences creating the set for the production, which runs until Sunday at the Constans Theatre.

THE AVENUE | ART AND THEATER

Tattoos losing stigma in the workplace

By Kelly Richard | Sep. 23, 2009

As students permanently ink their bodies, their method of self-expression may affect their future careers - a fact that some take into consideration. The sleeve of tattoos that friends see will also be visible to employers.

THE AVENUE | FASHION

'September Issue' goes behind the scenes of Vogue Magazine

By ASHLEY ROSS | Sep. 23, 2009

Vogue, Pronunciation: \'vog\, Function: noun, 1: the leading place in popularity or acceptance 2: one that is in fashion at a particular time. Synonyms: see "fashion."

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

This Providence serenades listeners with catchy beats

By Mae Basiratmand | Sep. 23, 2009

In the era of synthesized pop beats and barely legal song lyrics, This Providence keeps it real. The soothsaying love ballads and grief-stricken rock tunes about relationships complement the idealistic nature of the rock enthusiast. With three albums under its belt and a strong fan base, the band embarked on its fall tour with full force and high spirits.

THE AVENUE | SEX

STD testing worth visit to doctor

By BRANDT WILLIAMS | Sep. 23, 2009

In nearly every college student's life comes a rite of passage. There is nothing super sweet about this particular passage, which might cause your stomach to sink faster than if you had overslept through a microeconomics final. I'm talking about STD testing here, you wild scoundrels.

THE AVENUE | FASHION GFW

Gainesville Fashion Week brings big city feel

By ASHLEY McCREDIE | Sep. 16, 2009

For the second time, Gainesville Fashion Week has brought together art, fashion, music, cocktails and food for an unforgettable week.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Warped Tour movie shows festival's history, influence

By Richard Iwanik-Marques | Sep. 16, 2009

The Vans Warped Tour has spent the better part of the past two decades bringing summer mosh pits, mohawks and mayhem.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Album illustrates Greenland is Melting's experiences

By MARY MANCHESS | Sep. 16, 2009

The members of Greenland is Melting do not want people to think they're a couple of esoteric guys sitting around, thinking deep thoughts all day long.

THE AVENUE | MOVIES AND TV

Derrick Comedy's 'Mystery Team' guarantees laughs

By Jon Silman | Sep. 16, 2009

"Mystery Team" is the story of three high school virgins stuck as their 7-year-old Encyclopedia Brown-type personalities. Kind of like my life, but with actual cases to solve and not just wishful thinking. The three friends ride matching bikes and harass 6-year-olds. In fact, they get in trouble for forcefully removing a kid from the playground and teaching him a lesson about putting his fingers in things.

THE AVENUE | ART AND THEATER

PostSecret creator to speak at Phillips Center

By MEAGAN MCGONE | Sep. 9, 2009

Can you keep a secret? Well, Frank Warren can.

THE AVENUE | ART AND THEATER

"Up" portrays awkward American life

By MARGARET GRECO | Sep. 9, 2009

Just so you know, "Up" is a play based on the life and family of a man who tied balloons to a lawn chair and ended up 16,000 feet in the air, not a stage adaptation of the 2009 Disney-Pixar cartoon with the same name. As long as you know this, you probably won't be confused for the entire first act by the lack of old men, little boys and flying houses. Not that I was. I can just imagine the confusion it might cause.

THE AVENUE | SEX

Role-playing taps into fantasies

By BRANDT WILLIAMS | Sep. 9, 2009

A good friend of mine was recently in need of a "sexy librarian" outfit for a costume party and requested my expertise in locating the appropriately slut-tastic attire. After some shopping, I ensured that my friend was sexed up in a button-down blouse, tight-fitting pencil skirt, yellow Calvin Klein glasses, six-inch black heels and a neon blue corset. Weeks later I discovered that her supposed costume party was actually a party for two to indulge the fantasies of her nerdy boyfriend.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Cat proves too much in battle of man versus beast

By ERIK VOSS | Sep. 9, 2009

Classic "man versus beast" tales feature bears or sharks. Mine features a cat named Monkey.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Tailgaiting: counting down to kickoff

By Jon Silman | Sep. 9, 2009

It is not difficult to describe the palpable excitement of a Gators game day here in Gainesville. Imagine the day you were born and the first time you looked into your mother's eyes. The true and immediate comfort. The sense of belonging. Game day is like that, but with more orange.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Bobby K collection seeks to empower women, show passion

By REBEKAH GEIER | Sep. 9, 2009

Breaking up has never looked so damn good.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Pop culture updates: Harry Potter actors caught with marijuana

By Alex Orlando | Sep. 9, 2009

You might have had fun this past weekend, yelling Asher Roth's "I Love College" at your buddies across the beer pong table, but it was no such party for "Harry Potter" star Joshua Herdman.

THE AVENUE | FASHION

Scavenger hunt promotes local boutiques

By ALISON SCHWARTZ | Sep. 9, 2009

Gators can shop 'til they drop without dropping serious dough this evening at Fashion's Night Out.

THE AVENUE | FASHION

Toms shoes hopes to change world with film, artists

By ATTIYYA ANTHONY | Sep. 1, 2009

Changing the world starts one sole at a time. No - that's not a typo. It's a revolutionary philosophy that former "The Amazing Race" reality star Blake Mycoskie lives by. When he started Toms Shoes three years ago, he promised that with every shoe purchased another would be donated to a developing nation.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Recipe for the perfect Game-Day burger

By MAXIM PETTERSEN | Sep. 1, 2009

With Game Day approaching this weekend, your drive for football fanaticism, thirst for beer and especially your hunger for the perfect tailgating burger will shoot like a rocket into the sky. Other than the action-packed game with the Gators dominating, the tailgating experience will be the best part. Here is a homemade recipe to create a perfect, mouthwatering burger on Game Day.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Morningbell album "more physical and immediate"

By MARY MANCHESS | Sep. 1, 2009

The first track says it all: "Let's Not Lose Our Heads" is a perfect description of how Morningbell and its fans have been feeling over the past two years.