[Times photo: Chris Schneider] Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, opening today in Tampa, is banking on Bello, who comes from a clown dynasty, and Bo, “the world’s wittiest elephant.”

Cover Story
Bo and Bello bonding
A member of a clown dynasty partners with a tambourine-playing pachyderm for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

Film
In the coils of the drug trade
Traffic offers no panaceas, but its intelligent weaving together of complex issues yields an insightful, if grim, tale.

Persall's Top Five
Recent releases recommended by Times film critic Steve Persall

Can't sympathize with these characters
NEW RELEASES

Family Movie Guide
The Family Movie Guide should be used along with the Motion Picture Association of America rating system for selecting movies suitable for children.

Pop
Pop: Ticket Window
On the horizon

Team Pop Trivia
This week's winner: Steve Singleton of St. Petersburg knew that Paul Westerberg of the Replacements penned a song about "children by the millions" waiting for pop star Alex Chilton, formerly of theBox Tops and Big Star. (The song, fittingly, is titled Alex Chilton.)

Stage
A romantic on piano
Eduardus Halim solos with the Florida Orchestra this weekend.

Stage: Ticket Window
Tickets go on sale Friday for Man of La Mancha, playing Feb. 16-17 at Mahaffey Theater. Tickets: $27.50-$47.50. (727) 892-5767.

Stage: Hot Ticket
International pianist plays encore performance

'Some Like It Hot' is just right for dinner theater
In 1999, the American Film Institute asked film historians, critics and industry people to choose the 100 funniest films of all time.

TineOut
The Hyde Park Guide
It may be called Old Hyde Park Village, but there's a lot new about this shopping center.

Old spaces get new life in Ybor
Improv Comedy Theater offers nationally known talent and outdoor cafe dining; Fun's got wide open spaces for live music, computers with Internet access and Sony PlayStation 2s.

Night Life
Coffeehouse 'not in the closet'
Its mostly gay clientele find comfort in a cozy decor, board games and live entertainment.

Get Away
Get Away: Down the road
Events to watch for; details in future editions of Weekend.

Shop
In the market
Many happy returns

Store in style
The unofficial Law of Stuff: For every flat surface, there is a temptation to fill it. Thundering hordes in post-holiday frenzies have picked retail storage-bin aisles clean, but other objects are available for items that require a safe haven.

Art
Fusion Gallery enjoys the edge
The St. Petersburg alternative gallery finds success showing works by a broad spectrum of artists.

Art: Best bets
Art critic Mary Ann Marger's recommendations for this weekend. Please refer to the Art Calendar for details.

Art: Hot Ticket
'Coupling and Halving,' and celebrating

Dine
Toojay's serves more food than flash
Palm Beach's suburban deli opens shop in BayWalk, offering quick and friendly service, reasonable prices and food beyond traditional fare.

Side dish
Big bellies