The Avenue - The Independent Florida Alligator

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 | 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

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 | 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

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

Menagerie mixes art, music

By ATTIYYA ANTHONY | Sep. 1, 2009

Only at Mamaw Menagerie can $5 make your heart content.

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 | 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 | 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.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Job leads to guilty conscience

By ERIK VOSS | Aug. 26, 2009

From the moment we're born, we're all guilty of something.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Local pizza shops offer originality, culture to dining

By Alex Orlando | Aug. 26, 2009

With college students scarfing down pizza faster than the average Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, the pizza market is thriving in Gainesville.

THE AVENUE | FASHION

Layering creates new look for old clothing

By LANE NIESET | Aug. 26, 2009

Ching-Ya Ni, 19, a UF sophomore, masters the art of boho chic in this fun and versatile school ensemble. Her layered look adds new flair to pieces found in her closet. Ni says she doesn't follow trends, but she can't wait to pull out her fall clothing this season. Try looking through your closet and pairing clothing together in new ways to create a look for fall. Adding colored tights underneath flowing dresses or shorts takes a summer look and transforms it for the winter. Also, play with different sizes of belts and boots to add a little edge to the ensemble. Mix and match different accessories that will keep your outfits looking fresh for the entire season.

THE AVENUE | MOVIES AND TV

First glance at new Wonderland trailer

By Jon Silman | Aug. 26, 2009

At the intersection of expectation and reality you can sometimes end up at disappointment street. You can look forward to something so much that it will never live up to the idea you had in your brain. A shame, really.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Tucker Max scores in Gainesville

By ASHLEY ROSS | Aug. 26, 2009

Raise your hand if you've slept with a midget, a deaf girl and an amputee. Anyone? Oh yes, in the back of the class, Mr. Tucker Max.

THE AVENUE | SEX

Change of scenery, lingerie spices up relationships

By MEAGAN MCGONE | Aug. 26, 2009

Break up boredom in the bedroom.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Citizen Cope, The Whigs concert kicks off semester

By KARINA GALVEZ | Aug. 26, 2009

The sounds of The Whigs and Citizen Cope will echo from Flavet Field on Saturday night as the bands kick off the grand opening of the field's new Bandshell.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Live it up, stay on budget

By MEAGAN MCGONE | Aug. 16, 2009

College has a way of dwindling your bank account faster than you can chug a lukewarm can of Natty Light.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Don/t ruin college for yourself, silence your cell phone

By ERIC VOSS | Aug. 16, 2009

When I was in high school, I was convinced I had the nosiest, most intrusive parents.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Alternative sports offer fun, novel fitness opportunities

By Alex Orlando | Aug. 16, 2009

Whether it/s at night, on the weekend, between classes or just a lazy afternoon, Gainesville has plenty to offer without having to stray into the ordinary. From scaling walls to blazing trails, here are a few ways to break a sweat without having to hit the treadmill.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Easy, homemade chicken tacos

By MAXIM PETTERSEN | Aug. 16, 2009

Welcome to college! You will probably be here for at least the next four years, on your own, without anyone to cook for you. Eating out can be expensive, and the meal plans will eventually become unexciting and monotonous. There is always the option to cook your own delicious food. This quick and easy to make recipe costs only about $10 for four to five servings and will hit the spot!