Ellen Villafuerte - The Independent Florida Alligator

THE AVENUE | MOVIES AND TV

Netflix-binge drinking game: Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt edition

By Ellen Villafuerte | Apr. 15, 2015

The semester coming to an end can only mean that two things: more time to dedicate to drinking and binge watching shows on your borrowed Netflix account. If you loved “30 Rock” and haven’t found the time to watch Netflix’s breakout show, “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” do yourself a favor and catch up on Tina Fey’s latest creation (don’t worry, she makes a special appearance, too). Aside from laughs, you’ll get a strong sense of female empowerment, as its catchy theme suggests.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

The Avenue Guide to Summer Music Festivals

By Ellen Villafuerte | Mar. 18, 2015

Music festivals have basically become a staple for summertime adventures. Although we still have about five weeks until the semester ends, festival veterans know tickets are already selling out, and preparation for what’s to come starts way in advance. Keep in mind you might need a hotel, it’s going to be really, really hot, and you’ll probably forget to pack something when you put it off right before leaving. Whether you’re traveling far to attend one or just sticking to Florida-based festivals, this guide will help you know what to expect.

THE AVENUE | MOVIES AND TV

Q & A with Vince Vaughn about acting, ‘Unfinished Business’

By Ellen Villafuerte | Feb. 25, 2015

After being in the right place at the right time (aka the Alligator office), I was able to casually chat with Vince Vaughn (and six other student journalists) via Google Hangouts to talk about his upcoming film, “Unfinished Business,” (March 6) a comedy also starring Dave Franco and Tom Wilkinson about a small-business owner and colleagues who take a business trip to Europe to close an important deal but not without some problems along the way. He also spoke about his involvement in films extending beyond acting, and he even dropped some knowledge for those who are unsure about what they want to do with their lives.

THE AVENUE | MOVIES AND TV

Netflix-binge drinking game: Parks and Recreation

By Ellen Villafuerte | Feb. 18, 2015

On Tuesday, life as we know it will end. OK, not really. But that’s when “Parks and Recreation” will take its loyal viewers (myself included) for one last ride through the town of Pawnee, Indiana, and the political adventures of Leslie Knope and friends. The end of the underrated but hilarious mockumentary-style show will mean no more new episodes to enjoy — no more of Knope’s overzealous, warm personality, Ron Swanson’s paranoia about the government and April Ludgate’s apathy, just to name a few. But if you’re looking for a way to treat yo’ self after a long day of class or work, then grab a bottle of whiskey (because in the words of Swanson, “clear alcohols are for rich women on diets”) and load up “Parks and Rec” on Netflix for our latest binge drinking game.

THE AVENUE | FASHION

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

By Ellen Villafuerte | Jan. 14, 2015

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.

Louise Yariv, an ESOL teacher at Gainesville High School, stands in one of her prop donation closets. Yariv gives donations to the families of her ESOL students and those in need.

Laura Palomino

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Gainesville High School teacher helps families in need

By Ellen Villafuerte | Jan. 7, 2015

If you ask Louise Yariv how long she and her husband have been donating items to families in need, she’ll chuckle and won’t give you a straight answer.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Upcoming Events

By Ellen Villafuerte | Jan. 7, 2015

Tonight

NEWS | CAMPUS

UF majors fair makes minor location change to Plaza of the Americas

By Ellen Villafuerte | Feb. 24, 2014

Students will have a new place to find themselves this year.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Microsoft Office 365 to replace UF Webmail system

By Ellen Villafuerte | June 3, 2013

UF’s Webmail will soon be a thing of the past thanks to a cloud-based service by Microsoft Office 365.

NEWS | CAMPUS

New stats portal available

By Ellen Villafuerte | May 22, 2013

Figuring out statistical data just became a lot easier, thanks to Statista.