By Richard Lacayo, Time, Jan. 17, 2008

New York City has high taxes, infernal traffic and a perennial parking crisis. So why do people live there? Economists can tell you that the arts are a major factor, like a pleasant climate and good schools, that make a city attractive to the well-educated professionals who give a place a competitive advantage. But what people sometimes forget is that in New York, culture isn't just a lure to bring in the real producers of wealth. It's a giant moneymaking enterprise in itself, one of the biggest employers in the city. Read more>>

By Jane M. Von Bergen, Philadelphia Inquirer, Jan. 22, 2008

On Jan. 22, Innovation Philadelphia, a city-funded economic-development agency, announced its findings about the $58.9 billion creative sector, a healthy slice of the region's $264.8 billion economy. The study compares Philadelphia with six other regions - Austin, Texas; Boston; Seattle; Tampa, Fla.; Phoenix; and Denver - that have been looking to boost their creative economies. Read more>>

To download the Creative Footprint study, go to http://www.innovationphiladelphia.com/.

By Michael Lind, Whitehead senior fellow at the New America Foundation, Washington, D.C., Prospect, Feb. 2008

The US economy is slowing down, but the long-term trends for the country are more favorable than many think. There has also been a sharp improvement in many of America's social pathologies, such as violent crime and drug abuse. Read more>>

By John Rosser
Executive Director
Gasparilla Film Festival

It’s hard to believe, but another year has passed since the inaugural Gasparilla Film Festival took place in February 2007.

I am pleased to report that Gasparilla Film Festival has seen substantial growth in its 2nd year.

Not only in the quality of programming but also with media attention, sponsorship/partner support and its organizational capabilities. We expect to more than double attendance at this year’s event.

Of course, all of this activity creates a real challenge for a Festival Director. There are a lot more relationships to manage and service during this time period. However, I am fortunate to have the strong support of a dedicated Board and volunteer network.

Our films for this year? I’ll have to keep those a secret just a bit longer! However, there will be a general Program Schedule release on Friday, Feb. 1. This will be followed by a press conference at the Don Vincente de Ybor Historic Inn on Thursday, Feb. 7 from 1:30- 3:30 p.m. (Please contact me at info@gasparillafilmfestival.com if you wish to attend the press conference, or have general questions about the Festival.)

Our search for the very best in independent film took us to Toronto, Los Angeles, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, and Austin. We also used our network of contacts to get reports from several other major film festivals. On top of this, we spent literally hundred of hours researching and conversing with filmmakers from around the globe. The end result is that Tampa Bay will once again get to experience some very unique and quality films, actors, directors and film insiders from around the world.

Additionally, Gasparilla Film Festival continues to feature the very best in locally produced film and talent as well. We are very excited about this section of our programming!

Finally, we are proud to have “native daughter” Brittany Snow come back to Tampa and receive our “Rising Star” award. Brittany is well known in Hollywood’s as one of its top rising talents. We are also working on bringing another big, big name or two for the Festival. Watch www.gasparillafilmfestival.com for breaking details.

After all, it would be no fun if we gave it all away in advance. See you at the Festival!

Last Chance: 3rd Annual Smart Sustainable Tampa Bay Conference
Thurs.-Fri., Feb. 7-8

Get the latest on the green revolution that's sweeping the worlds of business and government from the green design and sustainability experts who are leading the way. Join key business and government leaders as we learn how to apply these cutting edge principles to helping the Tampa Bay region and our own organizations build a more sustainable and profitable future. Thurs-Fri., Feb. 7-8, at the Radisson at Feather Sound & St. Petersburg College, EPI Center. Sponsored by the Florida Gulf Coast Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council.
Find out more>>

Save the Date: Getting Green by Going Green Expo 2008
Sat., Apr. 12, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
USF Sun Dome, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa

We'd like you to participate! Showcase your product or service to Tampa Bay's growing green community. For vendor/exhibitor information, go to www.GoingGreenTampaBay.com or email Info@GoingGreenTampaBay.com. Reserve your space now at a reduced rate! Presented by Going Green Tampa Bay, a partnership of the University of South Florida, the Hillsborough County City-County Planning Commission, and the Urban Charrette

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Smart City Radio: City Cycling and Sustainable Landscaping
Jan. 31, 2008

Ben Gomberg and Randy Neufeld are cycling experts in Chicago, and they share a vision of making their city the most bike-friendly in the nation. We'll talk to them about their progress and what other cities can learn from it. Ben is the City of Chicago's Bicycle Coordinator. Randy is the Chief Strategy Officer for the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation. Listen now>>

Night Meditations
Through Apr. 20

Hillsborough Community College’s Ybor School of Visual and Performing Arts Gallery has received a Specific Projects Grant from the State of Florida for Fort Lauderdale light artist Tobey Archer to create the site-specific installation “Night Meditations I,” a contemplative environment including a 12’ high x 12’ diameter fiber-optic chamber. Tobey Archer is the light artist who brought the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center to luminosity with her permanent fiber-optic installation “Marquee” during Lights On Tampa. Night Meditations 1 runs through Apr. 20 at HCC Ybor School of Visual and Performing Arts Gallery, Palm Ave at 15th St., Ybor, 813-253-7674.

Tampa Bay's Media Talk
Thurs., Feb. 7, 6-7 p.m.

Media Talk co-hosts Janet Sherer and Rob Tiisler celebrate Black History Month as they webcast live from Centro Ybor. They will also discuss the best-of-the-best and the not-so-good TV ads shown during last Sunday's broadcast of Super Bowl XLII. Media Talk is a live weekly, global webcast between 6PM and 7PM each Thursday at www.tampabaysmediatalk.com. Segments are available at Google, YouTube and AOL, search word: Media Talk Tampa.

A Salute to Satchmo
Thurs., Feb. 7, 7:30 p.m.

Join the Palladium Theater at St. Petersburg College for a tribute to Louis Armstrong featuring the Nate Najar Trio with trumpeter Jon-Erik Kellso and bassist John Lamb. This concert is part of a series of four special shows in February celebrating African-American History Month. Tickets are $20. Faculty, staff and students of St. Petersburg College receive a $5 discount on all Side Door shows. Tickets are available at the Palladium box office, by phone at (727) 822-3590, or by visiting www.mypalladium.org.

Nightlife Napa Valley Tampa
Thurs., Feb. 7, 9-11:00 p.m.

International Plaza Bay Street Courtyard, Tampa
No white tablecloths, no wine geeks, no attitude! Join us for a wine tasting with a nightclub vibe: try wines from nearly 50 Napa Valley wineries, meet the people behind these incredible wines, enjoy hors d’oeuvres, and listen to the DJ spin while you sip, savor and mingle. Definitely not your father’s wine tasting! Proceeds benefit the Abilities Foundation. Tickets are $35 in advance; $45 at door. Visit www.abilitiesfoundation.com for more information.

TBTF Executive Summit: Innovate Your Business
Fri., Feb. 8, 7:30-11:30 a.m.

Join the Tampa Bay Technology Forum for a special presentation by Nick Donofrio, IBM’s Executive Vice President of Innovation and Technology. Nick will address the changing nature of innovation and will explain why a sharp focus on innovation throughout the world will give rise to new industries, spur productivity and economic growth, fuel wealth-creation, create higher-paying jobs, and raise the standard of living for all. Fri., Feb. 8, 7:30-11:30 a.m., A La Carte Event Pavilion, 4050 Dana Shores Drive, Tampa. Click here to register>>

Borealis Wind Quintet
Fri., Feb. 8, 8 p.m.

Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center presents the Borealis Wind Quintet on Fri., Feb. 8 at 8 p.m. The Quintet was nominated for a 2006 Grammy Award for Best Classical Chamber Music Performance and has received numerous accolades for their finesse and style. The program on Feb. 8 includes: Gavotte with Six Doubles (Jean Philippe Rameau); Pastorale (Vincent Persichetti); Wind Quintet in G minor (Paul Taffanel); Petite Offrande Musicale (Nino Rota); Roaring Fork Quintet (Eric Ewazen); and Potpourri Fantastico (Giulio Briccialdi). Reserved seating tickets $22 ($20 for Center members). Available online at www.tarponarts.org or call the box office at 727-942-5605.

Go Red for Women at Artspace
Sat., Feb. 9, 5:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
In conjunction with the downtown St. Petersburg Second Saturday Gallery Walk

February is heart month, so come enjoy chocolate, strawberries, and art. Make a pin with artist Mary Klein (proceeds to the Heart Association), get your picture taken with a red dress paper doll, get a free blood pressure screening or receive a free Heart Association cookbook with an art purchase. Many artists are donating a percentage of sales to the Heart Association, so come out for a great evening and learn how to have a healthy heart. Sat., Feb. 9, 5:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m., Artspace, 10 Fifth St. N. (2nd Floor, above Florida Craftsmen Gallery), St. Petersburg.

Strike Up the Bands: First Concert at New CCC
Sun., Feb. 10, gallery opens at 2 p.m., concert at 3 p.m.

The Friends of the Carrollwood Cultural Center proudly presents its first concert at the main building of the new Carrollwood Cultural Center. Featuring the University of Tampa Jazz Ensemble and Blake Jazz Ensemble & Combo. Art exhibit by members of the North Tampa Arts League. Refreshments by J. Christopher's. Tickets: $15 general admission; $10 FCCC members; students FREE. Box office opens 1 hour prior to performance; for ticket information, call 813-969-3991. Carrollwood Cultural Center, 13335 Casey Road, Tampa (enter at Lowell Road),
www.carrollwoodcenter.org.

Silent Film Special Event: Buster Keaton & Rosa Rio
Sun., Feb 10, 3:00 p.m.

The Tampa Theatre presents a silent film special event: Buster Keaton in Sherlock, Jr. and Cops featuring live musical accompaniment by theater organ legend Rosa Rio at the Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ. $11.50 adults, $9.50 seniors/members/military. For more information, go to www.tampatheatre.org.

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Special thanks to this week’s BUZZ volunteers:
Editor: Megan Voeller
Creative Contributors: Donna Manion, Deanne Roberts and Megan Hendricks Design and Distribution: Sean Kelly