The Avenue

---

Flavor, smell of food affected by in-flight time

Have you ever wondered why food tastes different on airplanes? Brownies taste bland, and peanuts taste plain, but bloody marys taste richer? Flavor is a combination of your taste buds and sense of smell, and according to research by Charles Spence, a professor of experimental psychology at Oxford University, these senses are affected in higher altitudes. The low air pressure and lack of humidity affect your sense of taste, reducing your detection of saltiness and sweetness. At the same time, sour, bitter and spicy flavors remain unaffected, and umami notes (like tomatoes and cheese) actually seem stronger in the air than on the ground.

UF rendition of 'Phantom of the Opera' sells out weekend shows

Let the dream begin at UF this weekend when the longest-running show in Broadway history comes to campus for the first time.

Some cool cats to perform improv at the Reitz on Friday

An all-female comedy improvisation group by the name of Cat Ladies will be putting on a show at the Reitz Union on Friday night.

Meghan Trainor’s debut album delivers feel-good messages for women

Calling all Meghan Trainor fans and “silicone Barbies.”

Local Ash Ketchum competes in Pokémon Championships

At only 10 years old, Max Overdevest has fought battles against monsters, and he even has a nemesis.

The Hippodrome holds first of three-part architecture film series

Architecture admirers can discuss modern buildings and their impact at The Hippodrome State Theatre’s three-part film series on architecture.

Prints, patterns and (Lilly) Pulitzer coming to Target

Bright colors and stylish silhouettes are coming to a Target store near you April 19.

Trophy Hunting: Oscar nominations full of surprises and snubs

With the 87th annual Academy Awards a month away, one of Hollywood’s biggest nights is preparing to bestow one of the industry’s highest honors to some of the year’s brightest stars and screenmakers. Usually, the nominees for the Oscars follow the same general pattern as ceremonies preceding them, including the Golden Globes. This year’s batch, however, has taken a sharp turn from the norm and has garnered some sharp criticism in response. In analyzing the big categories, as well as evaluating the facts, this moviegoer is wondering how the ceremony will ultimately go down.

Netflix-binge drinking game: Scandal

Today, on the eve of my 21st birthday, I am honored to present the ultimate drinking game to complement your three-seasons-long, binge-watching marathon of “Scandal,” available for your convenience on Netflix. Each swig will accompany you through every incredibly uncomfortable, sexual-tension-ridden scene with Olivia and Fitz and every Pope family interaction that makes your own family seem that much more normal. Whether you’re a high-powered D.C. senator with a few skeletons in your closet or an agent in the super-secret B-613 agency, this drinking game has the potential to create a PR crisis that would even challenge Olivia Pope. For extra authenticity, make your drink a tall glass of fine red wine. And if you find yourself quickly catching up to the latest episode, don’t worry: “Scandal” will be back on ABC on Jan. 29.

A breakdown of J. Cole’s latest album: 2014 Forest Hills Drive

As 2014 came to a close, J. Cole released his third studio album, “2014 Forest Hills Drive.” It’s titled after his childhood home in Fayetteville, North Carolina, which seems appropriate as much of the music deals with J. Cole going through various stages of his life. 

Lucky's Market and the evolution of the supermarket industry

The recent opening of Lucky’s Market sparked a flurry of excitement. People are buzzing about the amazingly low prices and exceptional, fresh, locally grown produce. Functioning as a central source of goods, Lucky’s provides customers a place to purchase food and socialize. Small, specialized “superettes” like The Fresh Market, known for its European-style experience, and Trader Joe’s, known for its Hawaiian T-shirt-clad crew and brand-name packaging of hard-to-find goods, thrive alongside larger supermarkets like Publix. Ward’s Supermarket has a niche as well, as it is the only locally owned grocery store in Gainesville.

Former marine’s photography on display at Gainesville Church art exhibit

While serving the country when he was in the Marines, Evan Strouse took photos of his surroundings, and the Gainesville community took notice.

The Hippodrome to host first 2015 Cocktails & Classics event

Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon will take the screen Saturday as the Hippodrome State Theatre presents “Some Like It Hot,” its first Cocktails & Classics film of 2015.

Glorious heap of rock: Q&A with Kyle Thomas, aka King Tuff

You may or may not have heard about King Tuff, but you knew someone like him once. He was the guy perpetually in and out of rock bands in high school, the guy in the faded Black Sabbath T-shirt reading a Richard Brautigan novel and the white guy who worshipped Jimi Hendrix. He was the guy you suspected might actually make it.

Brad Schultz: kindergarten teacher in Ocala, fashion designer in Gainesville

Each day, Brad Schultz seamlessly transitions from a kindergarten teacher in Ocala to a local fashion designer in Gainesville, and he manages to keep both jobs separate.

Netflix-binge drinking game: Gilmore Girls

Whether you’re an original fan or a lazy bones who waited until the show hit Netflix to binge indulge (raises hand), pop culture’s most iconic mother-daughter duo holds a special place in many people’s hearts. First-timers to the show may be confused by the rapid-fire dialogue, the obscure, outdated pop-culture references and the ever-perplexing but indefinitely entertaining relationship between Lorelai and Rory. And, oh, the ‘90s fashion.

Beatles fan has ‘every little thing’

Heartbreak stories tonight at The Bull downtown

Hearts will break at The Bull tonight.

What's up this week

Thursday

Trophy Hunting: Golden Globes Awards

A little glitz, a bit of glam and a whole lot of celeb power — the 72nd Annual Golden Globe Awards showed off the year’s best film and television actors, actresses and artists with its usual elegance and excitement.