The Avenue - The Independent Florida Alligator

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

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 | LIFESTYLE

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 | LIFESTYLE

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 | LIFESTYLE

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 | LIFESTYLE

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.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

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 | MOVIES AND TV

Dude, where’s my wand? How to honor Harry Potter

By Jon Silman | Nov. 17, 2010

It’s bittersweet. Your heart swells, but it aches, too. There are only two “Harry Potter” movies left. The saga that defined your youth is parachuting to its final destination into collective pop culture memory. So you need to celebrate this momentous occasion. But how? Faster than you can say (insert spell name here), the Avenue has you covered.

THE AVENUE | SEX

The gift that keeps on giving

By Jared Misner | Nov. 17, 2010

Dear Jared,

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

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 | LIFESTYLE

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 | LIFESTYLE

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 | LIFESTYLE

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 | LIFESTYLE

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 | MUSIC

Feeling the jam: Papadosio to spin through Gainesville

By Kat Bein | Nov. 3, 2010

This Friday, Gainesville is getting a dose of one of Asheville, N.C.’s most up-and-coming rock forces, Papadosio, who have dedicated themselves to reinventing the jam band.

THE AVENUE | SEX

Sex and the Swamp: Let’s joke about sex

By Jared Misner | Nov. 3, 2010

Dear Jared,

THE AVENUE | FASHION

The art of shopping: New store features fashion, gallery

By Kathleen Boyle | Nov. 3, 2010

Tucked in a darling two-story corner building at 101 N. Main St., an area known for nightlife and local dives, the marriage of art and fashion is alive and thriving.

THE AVENUE | FASHION

Tricks to look like a treat

By ALLISON BANKO | Oct. 27, 2010

Sure, you’ve been going buck wild in all of autumn’s glory: breathing in sweet smells of cinnamon, indulging in candy corn, busting out the pumpkin spice candles. You may think you’ve got the fall feel down, but does your wardrobe?

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

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 | LIFESTYLE

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 | LIFESTYLE

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.