• Jacksonville Film Festival Executive Director Marlo Zarka is in the process of updating the Festival’s Web site. Through the Robin Shepherd Group and Web master Mark Foster, the new site will feature several additions including an interactive page capable of playing movie trailers.
• No wonder you’re sick: According to a report released by the University of Arizona, the average office desk harbors 400 times more bacteria than a toilet seat. The most likely source of bacteria is the desk phone, followed by the computer keyboard and the mouse pad –three surfaces that are rarely cleaned, much less disinfected. It’s not just in the office, either: The most contaminated elevator button is the one for the first floor because everyone eventually has to punch it. Sick days cost American businesses an estimated $10 billion a year. Employees take more sick days in February than in any other month.
• Mark Bachara, special assistant to Mayor John Peyton, played the good samaritan last week. Bachara was driving Downtown when he passed a gentleman on his hands and knees, obviously having a medical problem. A police officer, Bachara stayed with the man and his wife until rescue arrived at the scene.
• The University of North Florida’s athletics department will induct its first hall of fame class during a Feb. 7 ceremony at the UNF Arena. Six former athletes, a coach, two community leaders and the 1991 men’s golf national championship team will be recognized.
• City Council Vice President Daniel Davis is looking for a new executive assistant. Jessica Deal is leaving and will join the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce in February as director of government affairs.
• Looking for an out-of-the-ordinary dining experience? The Florida Community College at Jacksonville Culinary Institute’s Mallard Room at the North Campus is offering lunch and dinner from Jan. 30 to April 5. The restaurant is staffed by students training under world-class instructors. Lunch ($6) will be served Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.; dinner ($8) will also be served those days at two seatings at 6:30 and 7 p.m. Reservations are required. For information and menus, call 766-5555.
• Mayoral staffer Kevin Holzendorf is running the Gate River Run again this year, but his goals have changed. Last year, he aimed to complete the 9.3-mile course in under 70 minutes. This year, he just wants to finish. Holzendorf is also leading the training sessions for any staffers that want to run.
• State Rep. Dick Kravitz will serve as the Duval Delegation’s Special Liaison to City Council this year.
• Apologies to Jacksonville Holland & Knight attorney William Bryne for misidentifying him in a story Wednesday.