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Friday, January 23, 2026

The Avenue

Florida Alligator
THE AVENUE  |  FASHION

Fashion on the avenue

Your first date with someone is incredibly important. It determines the outcome of the relationship. They say first impressions are everything, and hopefully your first date ends well with no walk of shame (see last week's article).


Florida Alligator
THE AVENUE  |  SEX

Gay men make good girlfriends, cock–blockers

Let me introduce myself. I'm Stephanie, and I'm a fag hag. But let me make a few things clear before your mind conjures up the image of that outspoken MAC makeup artist who so perfectly embodies the stereotype of the textbook fruit fly. I'm not a pudgy hanger-on, and my self-esteem is nowhere near lacking. I don't cling to gay men because otherwise, I'd never get within three feet of a penis. I'm definitely not the kind of girl who thinks that she alone can turn any Britney-squealing, homosexual man into a burly football fanatic. I don't brandish my gay friends like accessories, nor do I harbor any "Sex and the City" fantasies of being a cosmopolitan surrounded by sophisticated sodomites. Somehow, I just always found myself surrounded by gay guys and never thought much of it until everybody started asking me why.


Florida Alligator
THE AVENUE  |  MOVIES AND TV

Stellar acting in 'Burn Before Reading' lights up screen

To try to stick "Burn After Reading" into a genre is absolutely impossible. One could call it a comedy, as IMDB.com does, but I think this label does the movie a disservice. Don't get me wrong, you will laugh your head off, but you will also question yourself for laughing at each character's rather depressing life. It's really not a drama, a romance or even a political satire. Rather, the movie transcends genre and focuses on plot, making the style both distinctive and amazingly entertaining.


Florida Alligator
THE AVENUE  |  MOVIES AND TV

Director of Oscar–nominated film visits Gainesville

Tania Hermida is an independent filmmaker with a vision to show truth and important stories. Best known for her role as second assistant director for the Oscar-nominated independent film "Maria Full of Grace," her first feature film "Que tan lejos" (How much further), which will be shown at the upcoming Gainesville Latino Film Festival, was a product of her desire to create a "road film."


Florida Alligator
THE AVENUE  |  MOVIES AND TV

Latin film directors visit Gainesville for first time in 4th Annual Latino Film Festival

The Latina Women's League wants to share the diverse stories of Latin America with the Gainesville community. With six independent films, it has organized the Fourth Annual Gainesville Latino Film Festival, which will be different than the past three in that two of the film's directors will make presentations and hold bilingual readings for young children.


Florida Alligator
THE AVENUE  |  FASHION

Fedora hat takes over fashion world

If you're having a bad-hair day, in need of a cover-up for the orange dye that won't wash out of your hair from last week's game or just looking to put a little Humphrey Bogart in your life, the fedora hat is coming back in style more than ever.


Florida Alligator
THE AVENUE  |  MUSIC

Metallica rises from grave state with "Death Magnetic"

Men grow old. Legends live forever. That's a problem for Metallica. Burdened by paradox, the group's mere relevance in 2008 is a testament not to the graying, leather-clad rockers, but to the near-mythic quality of an era gone by. What's now more brand than band was once a pack of pimply twenty-somethings blessed with a terrifically violent combination of speed, volume and, above all, ability. But passing time, foolish decisions and producer Bob Rock, the grim reaper of thrash, all rendered our heroes disposable. Metal doesn't wear well with age. Even "the quartet of deliverance" gets only so many chances to get back on the horse.


Florida Alligator
THE AVENUE  |  FOOD

Caramelized onions spruce up meals with sweet, savory flavors

Caramelized onions are one of my favorite side notes that can easily, and with a low-caloric punch, jazz up many dishes be they tacos, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs or a sandwich. Now, before you go trekking off to candy lands and your metaphorical boots get gummed up with pralines and crème brulees, let us better introduce ourselves to the notably uncandy-like subject. Caramelized onions are onions that have been sliced thin and cooked on low to medium heat, often in a bit of fat, until they become golden brown in color, meltingly tender, and both sweet and savory in flavor. They can be delicious eaten straight out of the pan, but their awesomeness lies in their adaptability that shines when they are paired with other dishes.


Florida Alligator
THE AVENUE  |  LIFESTYLE

Game day all-nighter

On Friday, my token spontaneous friend approached me with a proposition for a would-be adventure. The scheme was simple: a night spent waiting in line for ESPN's "College GameDay," the Holy Grail for many university men. It sounded boring, but he promised there would be TWIZZLERS. I said I would go.


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