The District Magazine

CHANNEL DISTRICT / DOWNTOWN / HARBOUR ISLAND / YBOR

TAMPA’S URBAN DWELLING MAGAZINE

Top 10 Reasons to LIVE-WORK-PLAY in Urban Tampa

Chef Michael

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Top 10 Reasons to

LIVE-WORK-PLAY in Urban Tampa The District Team 1

Community: We have the greatest residents, hands down. The most creative, generous and diverse Districts in Tampa. When you mix Downtown, Channel District, Harbour Island and Ybor something special happens.

Occasionally, it might be weird and special but always fun and overflowing with the best mix that Tampa has to offer. We love weird!

2

Walkability: We can do anything any time by foot, bike, skateboard, roller blade, and roller skate or even be pulled and pushed in a wagon or stroller. We have ENDLESS reasons and resources to not use our vehicles.

7

Parks: Waterfront Parks, downtown parks, dog parks, waterfront dog parks, small dog-dog parks, big dog-dog parks, all size dog parks, shaded parks, open- air parks, historic parks, haunted parks, State , County and City parks.

3

Diversity: Our urban areas are unique and diverse. We can walk to what feels like different worlds in a matter of minutes. Have breakfast in a Downtown diner, and then off to work with a quick bike ride. For lunch, a Riverwalk stroll to the urban Channel District. Early evening, take a water taxi to Harbour Island and feel the island village life, while catching up with friends sitting on the docks. End the night by jumping on a quick trolley ride to Ybor City for mojitos and hand rolled cigars. Each area holds a unique personality.

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4

The Energy: You can’t put a price on urban living energy. Constant movement and always surrounded by people as an option. It is impossible not to have friends. All you have to do is walk out your door.

Entertainment: All day, every day and everywhere entertainment. From walking to Amalie Arena to catch Lighting games and concerts; to having brunch at Hamburger Mary’s while watching a live drag queen show. We have local (not chain) restaurants, bars, taverns, clubs and cafes for anyone and everyone. We have​​parades for every reason and if there is not a reason, we’ll create one. Events every day somewhere for everything. Our best form of entertainment has to be the endless choices of the oldest and cheapest form of entertainment, People Watching! Lots of people watching options.

9

Our Views: We have all the views you will need, all within walking distance or an uber. High-rise views, waterfront and riverfront views, historical and urban views, cruise line ships coming and going views, trolley and train views, sunset and sunrise and sometimes hurricane force wind views. Okay, we could go without that view but it is still a view. We don’t have mountain views but we have an abundance of waterfront views to make up for the lack of, and it is safe to say, we don’t get snow. That alone, is a view.

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Final Reason to LIVE- WORK- PLAY in the Urban Areas of Tampa: Our generosity and compassion is contagious and runs wild through all four Districts.

5

Art and Culture: The Districts have more cultural options that most even know about; all in walking distance. Galleries, Museums, Stage Theaters, indoor and outdoor music venues, comedy clubs, artistic social clubs and acting clubs. We have so much art and culture, it would take years to appreciate and see it all!

6

Wellness and fitness options: Best Gyms in Tampa. We have studios, bike routes, and classes, run groups, run groups that drink beer and run groups that drink coffee. We have bike

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groups that drink beer, water and coffee. We have swimming, kayaking and canoeing, inside boot camps and outside boot camps, yoga in the park, yoga studios, yoga in the courtyard and even backyard yoga... maybe. We do have running groups that just run and bike groups that just bike and let’s not forget we have outside bed racing. Not sure if we have inside bed racing.

Published by CHANNEL DISTRICT / DOWNTOWN / HARBOUR ISLAND / YBOR

mashedmediagroup.com Managing Director Ed Suyak

TAMPA’S URBAN DWELLING MAGAZINE

district, noun dis•trict \`dis-(,)trikt\ : an area or section that has some special characteristic or purpose : a region or locality marked by a distinguishing feature

The District is a content driven lifestyle publication for Tampa urban dwellers. Our focus is LIVE-WORK-PLAY. The District’s mission is to publish human interest stories regarding the people, communities, and businesses within the urban dwelling districts; while shining a spotlight on the arts and culture. We aim to be the aestheticisation of everyday life. The District is a direct reflection of change and our environment. As technological advances continue to modify and form how we work, a change in demographics pushes for more demanding amendments to the traditional work model, where and how we live and the desire to have LIVE-WORK-PLAY within walking distance. Live is to be alive or to make one’s home in a particular place. Work is a place where you do your job, and Play is to engage in activity for enjoyment.

The combination of all three provides the environment, which allows one to participate in enjoyable activities while walking to work, and living within a radius that does not demand the use of a car. The term lifestyle can denote the interest, opinions, behaviors and behavioral orientations of an individual, group or culture. The District is lifestyle!

We want to hear from you; your feedback and suggestions, stories and events or just a message to say hello. Email us at publisher@mashedmediagroup.com The entire Mashed Media and District team thank you in advance for your readership and future engagement.

Be well, Ed “eddy” Suyak Group Publisher

The District Group Publisher Ed Suyak Creative Director Rob Stainback Editorial Controller Danielle Topper Associate Publisher CJ Cooper Account Executive Melissa Meredith Contributing Writers Meaghan Farrell Scalise Tessa Blosser Howard Barbanel Photography

by Lindsey Meyer

The District magazine is always looking for new article ideas, upcoming events and overall readership feedback.

We are currently seeking freelance contributors. Email all submissions, ideas and feedback to publisher@ mashedmediagroup.com Mashed Media Group does not assume responsibility for the advertisements, nor any representation made therein, nor the quality or deliverability of the products themselves. Reproduction of articles and photographs, in whole or in part, contained herein is prohibited without expressed written consent of the publisher, with the exception of reprinting for news media use. Printed in the United States of America.

THE DISTRICT - TAMPA’S URBAN DWELLING MAGAZINE

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CHANNEL DISTRICT / DOWNTOWN / HARBOUR ISLAND / YBOR

TAMPA’S URBAN DWELLING MAGAZINE

Contents

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04 Top 10 Reasons to

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36

38

LIVE-WORK-PLAY in Urban Tampa

08 Perry Harvey Sr. Park 10 Which 2016 dining trend

do you want to try most?

14 Q&A with Chef Michael from CENA

20 Top 10 Reasons to

LIVE-WORK-PLAY in Ybor

22 Top 10 Reasons to

LIVE-WORK-PLAY in the Channel District

26 PopShop - Upstairs, Meet Downtown

28 Pick Up Your Dog’s Poo Really... No “Seriously”

30 Art in Locality 6

36 Top 10 Reasons to

30

LIVE-WORK-PLAY in Downtown Tampa

38 Top 10 Reasons to

LIVE-WORK-PLAY on Harbour Island

39 Giving Back Literally 42 Walk on Water 45 Rants & Raves

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Perry Harvey Sr. Park The Central Park community, better known as “The Scrub,” located just north of downtown and originally settled in the 1800’s by freed slaves. The historic area became a vibrant business, entertainment and cultural district for iconic African American musicians like Cab Calloway, Ray Charles and Ella Fitzgerald in the 50’s. It’s rumored that Hank Ballard picked up a timeless dance on Central Ave. and went on to write and record “The Twist.”

By the early 70’s the vibrant music community had dissipated and in 1979 the area became the location of the Perry Harvey Sr. Park, named after a local civil rights leader and president of the International Longshoremen’s Association Local 1402. In the late 90’s the surrounding community and the park had seen better days and was due for a makeover. Collaboration between the City of Tampa, Tampa Housing Authority and private stakeholders put together a restoration plan in early 2000 which resulted in the development of the Encore Project and the concept to recreate the park.

Fast forward to today, the planning is being executed and scheduled to be completed this year. The new park will be filled with modern amenities and a new state of the art skate park while honoring the history and culture of the historic Central Park community and leaders with an interactive exhibit to include large statues throughout “History Walk” and “Leaders Row”.

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Which 2016 dining trend do you want to try most?

Around-the-clock food shows, celebrity guests and niche themed restaurants are just a few reasons the fine food movement continues to experience extraordinary growth. In 2016, more people will be seeking upscale dining experiences that focus on the unique to the luxurious - and they’re willing to pay big bucks to do so.

In fact, Americans said they would splurge an average of $203 in order to have a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience at a gourmet restaurant, according to a recent online survey by Harris Poll sponsored by Michelin, the global tire maker that publishes the popular restaurant guide.

What’s surprising is the people willing to pay the most for fine dining experiences are younger generations. Millennials (ages 18-34) on average would pay $282 for this culinary experience, compared to diners ages 45-54 who would shell out $170, and $122 for those 65 and older.

One explanation for why younger diners are willing to pay so much is that they want to enjoy more than just fine cuisine. Many restaurants offer an overall experience that will be remembered long after the last morsel of food is gone. Whether it’s an incredible atmosphere, the opportunity to observe the chef work or gaining access to foods and cooking styles never available before, this desire for an experience is driving younger diners to invest in upscale dining.

As America looks at the most recent Michelin star ratings to navigate the nation’s best eateries, there are some food and restaurant trends that are positioned to grow in 2016. Chefs will continue to expand their creative prowess by experimenting with new cooking styles and food fusions. Cooking methods will 10

blend with science and art to create uniquely fine fare with a story that is as intriguing as the taste.

Diversity is another notable trend for 2016. Authentic ethnic cuisine is in high demand and restaurants are answering the call. Traditional restaurants will begin to offer diverse plates in addition to timeless favorites to appeal to a wide range of palates. Expect to see more ancient grains, ethnic spices and worldly condiments at eateries in the future.

Conscious dining is a growing trend thanks to diners’ increasing awareness of where their food comes from. Hyperlocal sourcing of ingredients is being adopted by many notable restaurants.

This includes growing fresh herbs and vegetables onsite and partnering with local farms for incredibly fresh dairy and meat products. Sustainable seafood partnerships are another effort by restaurants that supports the increasing demand for responsible dining options.

Finally, diners are seeking chefs with the best reputation for tried-and-true favorites.

That means the city’s chef with a reputation for curating and cooking the best steak will have a wait list. Supporting this nod toward the traditional, the Michelin survey found a quarter of U.S. adults say steakhouse cuisine is their favorite choice for dining. What’s the runner up? Italian ranked as the second choice nationally for the meal of a lifetime.

Traditional and Digital Arts, LLC Fine Commercial Art Company Licensed and Insured

Beginning of Tada!, Launches Website and Opens an Art Studio in North Tampa

2000

Residential Projects Help Award Large Commercial Projects

2002

Expands to a Larger Facility, Adds Gallery

2004

Establishes Art Contracts with Multiple Restaurants in Greater Tampa Bay

2006

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Traditional and Digital Arts has extended our dream universe beyond our name by painting a realistic and attainable lifestyle for our clients who desire to be original.

Professional work ethics, creative skills and deep dedication are aspects that we believe are crucial in creating, sustaining and communicating with clients.

It is the strong deep roots to Tampa within our Florida community that this artistic collaboration has centered itself as the dynamic corporation known as TADA! today. For the past 16 years partners in business and in life, the core team has worked to consistently provide fine commercial art and design.

Moves to Stand Alone Building in Ybor City

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Creates Mural and Fabrication Projects for National Clients

2010

State Wide Contract with Whole Foods Markets for Decor

2012

Increases Facilty and Moves to the Channel District

2014

813.961.TADA (8232)

Working on Your Next Creative Project!

2016

w w w. t r a d i t i o n a l a n d d i g i t a l a r t s . c o m

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Executive Chef, Michael Buttacavoli,

better known as Chef Michael at CENA, a restaurant in the Channel District. I had the pleasure to sit down with the Chef and peel back the onion in a one on one interview. You may know him as the former Chef de Cuisine with Sidebern’s, Bern’s Steak House, Boca or his previous position as the chef at Hard Rock’s Council Oak. What you may not know, his compass started out on the path of becoming a chiropractor. Lucky for anyone that has been fortunate enough to enjoy his culinary skills, he changed his direction while working at a local Chili’s and went on to culinary school. Today, Chef Michael is delivering Five Star Dining in the Channel District. I have yet to experience anything less than amazing at CENA. My first visit, I chose to only order desert. If an Italian restaurant has fair to bad tiramisu, it’s my signal to stop with the desert. They knocked it out of the park. CENA belongs on your “GO TO VISIT” list if you’ve never been and after, it will become part of your regular restaurant rotation list. I asked Chef Michael to describe himself in one word but in all fairness, it took me several: humble, generous, adaptable, hardworking, considerate, creative and easygoing.

My suggestion, go see for yourself.

CONTINUE TO Q&A THE DISTRICT - TAMPA’S URBAN DWELLING MAGAZINE

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How long have you been a chef?

I have been cooking for 20 years, but I have been a chef for 15, starting my career in the chain Chili’s.

What culinary school did you attend?

I went to a small school in Lakeland called American Culinary Academy. It was at the Linden Airport in a round building where there was an airplane mechanic school on the bottom, pilot school in the middle and the culinary school was on top.

What is your first favorite food memory?

Breakfast for dinner was something I always remember having as a family. We always had some sort of fritatta and marinated tomatoes or cucumbers.

Who or what influenced you to become a chef?

Even when I graduated from school I still wasn’t sure if this was for me and how I was going to make a living at cooking. My culinary instructor, Mary Miller, found me a job with Chef Jeannie Pierola at Boca in Ybor back in 1996. This is where the chefing thing really started to click and I really enjoyed the culinary lifestyle of being in the kitchen. It was Jeannie who really kept my interest going.

What is your favorite and least favorite ingredient and why?

I love steak and all kinds and cuts. They’re just so versatile and can go with everything, so it makes pairing food with them easy. As for the least favorite, I would say shellfish since I have an allergy to shellfish.

Currently, you are the Chef at CENA located in the Channel District of Tampa.

What is the backstory to CENA and how was the concept created?

The back story was really just being at the right place at the right time. I was ready to 16 16

leave the Hard Rock after five years and was actively looking for a new job when two of my friends, Susan Bianchi and Romeo Patron, started consulting and this was going to be one of there projects. Owners Ken Stolenberg and Frank Bombeeck had a vacant space at Grand Central at Kennedy and we all formed a relationship to start CENA. Where did you grow up?

I was born in Hunnington, NY, and lived there for 18 months. We came to Florida and settled in New Port Richey, Florida.

How long have you been in the Tampa Bay area?

I been traveling to the bay area for at least 15 years. I never lived close to where I worked and always had some sort of commute.

How do you feel about the current urban living transformation happening throughout Downtown and the Channel District?

The area is really such a diverse group of people ranging from young to active.

The amount of growth and how fast it’s happening is really great to see for this area.

More businesses and restaurants will only make this a destination for the future.

Besides CENA, what is your favorite restaurant in Tampa Bay and why?

I can’t name just one. There are several spots on my list all throughout the Tampa Bay area. The many friends and chef colleagues make dining fun to go out when you are in the biz.

Who is your favorite chef and why?

Mario Batali for his simplicity. I remember watching his show when he would travel to Italy visiting every little city and he would just give you so much information. He really captivated me.

What is your favorite or in your opinion best dish at CENA? I have three favorites, one being the tomato braised oxtail and potato gnocchi, two would be the bolognese and three would be the bronzini. Not in any order. They all rock!

When cooking for yourself, what is your go-to meal?

I’m really not picky, whatever is made and ready to go. We try to eat as healthy as possible but that doesn’t always happen.

What one food is your guilty pleasure?

Sweets. As a kid I wasn’t a really big sweet eater but as I’m getting older they are definitely harder to stay away from.

THE DISTRICT - TAMPA’S URBAN DWELLING MAGAZINE

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You have a token wardrobe trademark, the bandana. What is the story behind it and how do you choose the color for any given day?

The bandana came from one of my first cooks who wore one and I dug it, so I kept it. I do wear several types, none of which have any real meaning. I have a bandana tree at home where I hang them.

Do you prefer music playing while you are in the kitchen and if so what is your favorite genre?

We do like to listen to music and all genres.

Pandora is always playing anything from James Brown to Drake.

If you could cook a meal for anyone in the world, who would it be?

My grandmother. I remember eating her food as a kid and she was the queen of making nothing into something. I would have loved to eat and learn more from her and I would have loved to have shared many more memories now that I’m a chef.

Besides cooking, what does Chef Michael like to do on his off time?

I have three little girls at home who I don’t get to spend much time with. I love hanging with them and doing whatever. My beautiful wife and I love having our family time together. I also love to get in a round of golf.

Finish this sentence: If I weren’t a chef, I’d be a…__________________________________ Chiropractor.

If you could describe yourself in one word, what word would you use?

Fair.

Final question, what would be your request if you had to choose your last meal?

Bone-in ribeye and mashed potatoes.

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Knowledge is power.

Finding the right home takes the right realtor.

Autumn Etheredge

REALTOR速

Specializing in urban living direct 813.777.0468 aetheredge@smithandassociates.com

速

速

smithandassociates.com | #TampaLiving

meganad Jan19,2016 outlined.pdf 1 2/22/2016 1:50:32 PM

Top 10 Reasons to

LIVE-WORK-PLAY in Ybor Betty DawL Performer - Lyricist - Event Curator - Visual Artist Ybor Resident

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1

I was born & raised in Tampa so it shares a special place in my heart. So many memories throughout my life have been made in Ybor, from going to the movies when I was a little girl to nights at the old Czar where we would dance until we could hardly breathe.

2

Everyone’s invited. Ybor is full of all sorts of people…you know, dressing - decorating themselves as they please. I feel it’s a very free place, a place where you can be yourself & although there may be some who don’t understand there are many who do.

3

The pizza - HELLO! NYNY PIZZA! Locals understand, nuff said.

4

The culture. So much culture. It’s incredible how diverse your night can be on such a small strip. Dive bars. Jazz clubs. Dance clubs.

Gay clubs. Strip clubs. Cuban cigars. Hip Hop Shows. Maybe play some pool- drink good beer & enjoy dope food. All of this can go down in one night. Even on a Monday.

5

Always beautiful sunset view of Downtown Tampa.

6

Very historic, brick everywhere and you can take the trolley from Ybor to Channel District to Downtown

7

The Bricks - Art shows - Amazing staff - great food - awesome bar.

8

Revolve Thrift & La France! So many cute clothes & accessories

9

Tattoos. EVERYWHERE. For affordable prices. with so many beautiful artists.

10

Finally - The community. The people. For the locals, it’s a huge family vibe. We’ve all partied together & there is a lot of love in Ybor.

Top 10 Reasons to

LIVE-WORK-PLAY

in the Channel District Ben & Lisa Prakobkit The Modern Paws / Dog Gurus Channel District Business Owners and Residents

22

1

People/Community - The Channel District is made up of kind and generous residents. Although the majority may work long hours, begin start-ups, or run our own small businesses, we still find the time to come together & support various charities & events.

2

Pet Friendly - The Washington St. Dog Park allows us to grab a seat, socialize with our neighbors while the dogs socialize with their pack. Channel District is filled with pet lovers which give us a sense of connection. If you love animals, you’ll feel right at home here!

3

Exciting Changes & Developments - We, the Channel District, are the BUZZ of the Tampa Bay area

4

Events - Art on 12th, Channel District Home Tour, Ice Cream Sunday’s, Flicks ‘N Food Trucks - Who doesn’t enjoy music, art, food & drinks, and pet events that bring residents and outsiders into our district?

5

Cruises - Easily walk down to Yacht Starship for a dinner cruise, or book a 3-4 day cruise with one of the major cruise lines that leave from Port Tampa Bay.

6

Amazing Views - Waking up and seeing beautiful “floating buildings” docked at the Port from our balcony. To the West, the City of Tampa Skyline is in plain sight with the SunTrust Building’s Ziggurat lit up in various colors telling a story or showing support. Take a stroll down the Riverwalk where it all begins in the Channel District and catch the sun glistening off the waters of the Garrison Channel. No matter where you look, the views here are impressive.

7

Bars/Restaurants - We have the best restaurants, taverns and bars. The Channel District has something for everyone. We have newcomers and originals and all are outstanding establishments within walking distance.

8

Health Conscious - The Channel District is home to one of the absolute best gyms in the nation Powerhouse Gym. And for those that opt for the full body burn, we have our very own Orange Theory Fitness Studio as well. The community is just full of health/fit-conscious residents that help motivate us through the never-ending fitness journey. There are many areas here to go for a jog or bicycle ride as well to stay active.

9

Traffic - In any direction you go, we are centrally located. Access to the Selmons Expressway, I-275, and I-4 is a breeze. The traffic flows smoothly in the District without the congestion felt, like in other areas of Tampa Bay.

10

Safe Neighborhood - We always feel safe walking the neighborhood at any hour of the day. There’s never that feeling of having to look over our shoulders.

ALL YOUR HEALTHCARE NEEDS, ALL UNDER ONE ROOF

™

POPSHOP UPSTAIRS, MEET DOWNTOWN

A

unique collaboration formed in 2015. Frank Grebowski, owner of the downtown Tampa European Wax Center celebrated the launch and sustainability of a successful year. Shortly after opening his business in what was considered an unpredictable environment for retail, he was convinced he had made the right decision concerning location. Grebowski knew the downtown area offered endless potential, but he also noticed growth challenges. Within no time, he learned other downtown retailers, were experiencing similar issues. Even with the surge of downtown residents, businesses still faced challenges with parking, visibility and marketing initiatives to entice high-rise workers to patronize downtown businesses.

Grebowski quickly formed a coalition and concentrated on visibility. The coalition needed 26

a way to showcase what downtown had to offer and inspire the 60,000 people working upstairs to come downstairs. Ultimately, coalition members decided to bring their inside stores and shops outside, and stage a festival-like event in the middle of one of downtown’s highest foot- traffic areas .

In June 2015, with the help of the Tampa Downtown Partnership, visibility began with the successful inauguration of PopShop-Tampa, located in the heart of downtown within the Esplanade Plaza. The event was intended to showcase downtown-vested retail businesses to residents and people working within the high rises. Forty merchants participated at first, and they were pleased enough to turn PopShop into a regular quarterly event. PopShop attracts five hundred to one thousand attendees with its celebratory vibe, large banners, diverse vendors,

live music, and great food. It’s live-work-play at its best. “PopShop was an excellent way to showcase our little bookstore to those who live and work downtown,” said Carrie Carnes, owner of Old Tampa Book Company. “It gave us a chance to connect with potential customers and direct the curious and interested shopper to our store location.” Even though the bookstore has been located downtown for more than twenty years, Carnes felt many people were still unaware of the store.

PopShop is a win-win for everyone! Downtown retailers need visibility, awareness, and new customers to stay alive; urban residents want more shops, retailers, restaurants, cafés, and events within walking distance. “PopShop gets small businesses noticed,” said Julissa Mercado, owner of Beauty Brought Out, a business located on E. Madison Street between Florida Avenue and Marion Street downtown. “I love my space, but we just do not get much attention! The thousands of people who work and live downtown do not realize many of us small businesses even

exist!” said Mercado.

If there is a take from this article, it is support your local businesses. Go out and explore; you just might find something around the corner that you love or never knew existed. With several successful events in 2015 and proof of concept, PopShop is setting the stage to have its first 2016 event Thursday, April 28th in The Esplanade Plaza from 11:30 am- 1:30 pm.

Visit www.popshoptampa.com to learn more about PopShop and stay current on future event dates, times, and locations.

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PICK UP YOUR

DOG’S POO Really… No “Seriously”

Dog waste does not vanish in the rain, it’s not great for grass as fertilizer and it can’t be composted. Unlike herbivores (an animal that feeds on plants), a dog’s diet is made up of mainly animal products, making their waste improper for compost bins.

It is classified as an environmental pollutant by the Environmental Protection Agency and when it washes into nearby waterways it can and will make people, wildlife and other dogs sick.

Dog poo carries a vast variety of harmful bacteria and not the good kind used to make yogurt.

One gram of poo can host 23 million fecal coli form bacteria along with every bad worm there is: roundworm, hookworms, tape and heartworms. Cramps, kidney disorders, severe intestinal illness, are just a few ways it can affect humans.

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Dog poo is bad, and bad loves company. Meet the poo’s best friend, rats and rodents, which are attracted to dog waste because it is an easy meal. In fact, dog poo is said to be the number one source of food for rats, especially in developed areas.

They reproduce rapidly and happily when they have an abundant food source. Instead of stray cats, you’ll have stray community rats.

Dog ownership comes with responsibilities, and one of the responsibilities is picking up after your pet. Not sometimes, or even majority of the time, but every time. Whether you live in a house with a yard, or you’re an urban nester, your policy should be to pick up.

Most people believe that dog waist slowly fades away. You’re right, kind of, but over time it becomes part of the soil and washes into our waterways when it rains. Just because you can’t see the poo doesn’t mean it is gone.

As dog waste disintegrates, it breaks into small particles, and those same particles leak into our streams, waterways and ultimately into our rivers. Dog waste is extremely nutrientrich, and this nutrient-rich type deposits cause rapid algae growth. When algae blooms it blocks sunlight and depletes oxygen in the water, killing off aquatic organisms, especially fish. What did the fish ever do to deserve that, and more important who ultimately eats fish? We do!

T

he great thing about living in the city or an urban high-rise community, someone is always watching. You’re almost forced to pick up or risk being called out, “Hey buddy do the right thing, aren’t you going to pick up?” It should go without saying, and because you think no one is watching, does not give you a free pass to leave your dog’s morning dump behind for someone else to step in.

A few ground rules or poo pick-up guidelines: 1. Always pick up your dog’s poo 100% of the time (simple) 2. If you are ever in question to pick up or not; always pick up.

3. If you are ever in question of which poo belonged to your dog, pick up all within your reach.

4. The use of dog waste bags is considered a safe method to pick up with. However, not having one should never be used as a reason not to.

5. After you bag it, properly dispose of it. Preferably in a trash can or a dog waste station.

6. Never place dog poo in a paper bag, light on fire and ring your neighbor’s doorbell. Alright, no need to steal all the fun. Will change the never to only under extreme situations.

7. Last, never and this remains a never, get into a poo picking up battle or fight. Just pick it up and be on your way.

Under today’s FTC regulations defining requirements for product labeling, there are currently no dog waste bag manufacturers that can claim biodegradability since the bags cannot be proven to break down completely in a landfill within a specified timeline.

Some companies, however, continue to label their bags as “biodegradable,” which doesn’t guarantee they’re different from unlabeled counterparts. Look for responsible companies doing their part to reduce their footprint and give back to the community.

Don’t forget: Bag it and properly dispose of it.

THE DISTRICT - TAMPA’S URBAN DWELLING MAGAZINE

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A

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Art Locality in

by Meaghan Ferrell Scalise

Jaume Plensa. Silent Music II, 2013.

Tampa Museum of Art, Tampa, FL. Photo: Ryan Walsh. © Jaume Plensa.

Courtesy Galerie Lelong, New York.

The Tampa Bay area has been my creative home for my entire life, minus those collage years when I just “had to get out”. Even then, this Tampa native didn’t travel to far for college, staying in the state and attending Florida School of the Arts.

The amount of great quality museums under the Downtown Tampa’s wide arm spread is surprising to some, and never enough for others. Personally, artistic and cultural growth is welcoming and positive for our thriving neighborhoods. This great city has often been regarded as culturally diverse, which lends to being rich in arts of all kinds. Many blessings to all that support musicians, painters, sculptors, actors, and all our creative types in this city.

Here is only a beginning list of need to see art spots in our great-er back yard!

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Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, Inc. 400 N Ashley, Cube 200 Tampa, FL 33602 (813) 221-2222 fmopa.org The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, Inc. is turning 15 this year. Quite an accomplishment and quite the birthday bash planned!

The 15 Years Young Birthday Spectacular will be held at the museum and will feature music, food, entertainment, some festive surprises, and of course birthday cake.

Jaume Plensa.

Thoughts, 2013.

Tampa Museum of Art, Tampa, FL. Photo: Ryan Walsh. © Jaume Plensa. Courtesy Galerie Lelong, New York.

Tampa Museum of Art 120 W. Gasparilla Plaza Tampa, FL 33602 (813) 274-8130 tampamuseum.org The Tampa Museum of Art, in operation for more than 30 years, collects, preserves and displays 20th century fine art by national and international artists. The museum, situated on the banks of the Hillsborough River, exhibits classical antiquity works of Greek and Roman Etruscan origins.

On view now until May 15, 2016 is Jaume Plensa: Human Landscape. The world accomplished sculptor, Spanish artist Jaume Plensa (b. 1955) has created large scale artworks related to the human figure that engage the viewers outside and inside the museum.

Want a little more color in your life? Celebrate in COLOR at the museum’s 11th annual Pride & Passion NOW IN TECHNICOLOR on Saturday, April 23rd, 2016. Be prepared for an over stimulating evening of hor d’oeuvres, drinks surprise entertainment and it even includes a one-year membership. Best part is going to be all the colorful fashion forward guests attire.

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Tampa is lucky enough to have one of fewer than ten museums in the United States dedicated exclusively to photography and one of two museums in the state of Florida. FMoPA seeks to enrich the lives of the citizens of the Tampa Bay area by providing rare, specialized access to the wonders of photography not only as an aesthetic form but also as a multi-faceted historical and contemporary document of our world through exhibitions, education, outreach programs, and local collaborations. ir mission is “dedicated to exhibiting important photographic arts central to contemporary life and culture” from artists of various backgrounds.

The museum is always offering curator’s gallery talks, tours and photography classes, for all skill levels. “…The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, absolutely thrilled to be celebrating 15 years as an active participant in the growing Tampa Bay arts community,” says Zora Carrier, FMoPA’s Executive Director.

Leslie Joy Ickowitz is one of the photgraphers to be debut at the FMoPA’s birthday party. Her Indonesia exhibit, “Terima Kasih”, which means Thank You, will debut at FMoPA’s birthday party.

“The name comes from the gratitude I feel for having experienced Indonesia and for having met the orangutans while we were there.” explains Leslie Joy Ickowitz .

Tampa Bay History Center 801 Old Water Street Tampa, FL 33602 tampabayhistorycenter.org Occupying 60,000 SF in Tampa’s Channelside District, exhibits draw a path through time, linking modern culture with cigar factories, sports legends, railroad tycoons, cattle drives, pioneers Spanish conquistadors and Florida’s first native inhabitants – 12,000 years in all. If you do not walk out of this museum with a new sense of love and pride for this great city, you might be dead inside.

The museum’s staff is beyond helpful with questions, and inquiries for personal or business research. Want to know what your building address looked like 100 years ago? If the image exists, they will find it!

Rialto Theatre 1617 N Franklin St Tampa, FL 33602 rialtotheatre.com One of the first things you read on their website is “Because every detail matters and ordinary is not acceptable”; those words ring like music to my ears. A company after my own heart, for sure. Teetering on the northern border of downtown Tampa, this historic building boasts original plaster designs, original brick and tile façade, and well designed updates. A 10,000+ square foot open floor plan helps transform this venue into a backdrop for public and private events, dance classes, indie markets, studio space, photography shoots and art shows.

Rialto Theatre won Creative Loafing Best of the Bay 2015 Award: Best New Old Theatre and although the award sounds tailored especially for them, there is no denying that they deserve the award and all the praise and support from the Tampa community. The ongoing renovations to the space are no joke, and this city needs more passionate, creative entrepreneurs and forward-thinking investors, like Hope Donnelly and George Carter II. The power couple runs 8-Count Studios out of the Rialto Theatre and focuses on the effort to unify the arts community of Tampa with a sense of connection, purpose and family.

Current exhibit is Bringing Home the Sunshine: Collecting Florida Souvenirs until April 17, 2016. Fun little nostalgic trip back in time to get you excited about the weather warming up.

Wandering Eye Art Gallery 1600 E. 8th Ave Suite E109 Tampa, FL 33605 wanderingeyeartgallery.com

Rialto Theater, A balloon sculpture by Jason Hackenworth for the Lululemon campaign.

If you have not taken the trolley into Tampa’s historic Ybor City, what are you waiting for? Remember the culturally diverse art world thriving in our city, I spoke about before?

Ybor’s grassroots community continues to create a large part of that culture we are all so boastful about. Locals supporting locals, thriving from the tourism industry all while supporting entertainers of all genres, award winning tattoo artists, nationally acclaimed comedians, great multitude of concert venues, and some wonderful art galleries.

Wandering Eye Art Gallery is nestled right smack in the middle of it all, located in Centro Ybor City. That is Stop#2 if you are arriving by Teco’s Streetcar Trolley Line. The front façade is floor to ceiling glass windows that encourage the passerby to slow down and take in the colorful array of sculptures, paintings and other visual delights. You can not help but gravitate inside for a closer look at these local artists’ works.

This gallery works as a nonprofit cooperative and consists of 14 members. Most of the artists featured rent studio space from the Ybor Arts Colony, a converted historic building on 7th Ave. Follow this gallery on Facebook and learn more about their art classes and monthly art launches of local artist works.

Wandering Eye Art Gallery also has a unique art rental program for your residence or business space.

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Jaume Plensa. The Soul of Words I & II, 2014.

Tampa Museum of Art, Tampa, FL. Photo: Ryan Walsh. Š Jaume Plensa. Courtesy Galerie Lelong, New York.

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enes c S e ind th h e B PLAY K R E-WO V I L op 10 T s ’ t istric D e h T

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Top 10 Reasons to

LIVE-WORK-PLAY in Downtown Tampa Rob Akins UnCommon Finds Scent-Junkie Downtown Business Owner and Resident

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1

Top reason to live, work and play in Urban Tampa is that there is no need to drive. So much is within walking distance!

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Great city views from our 16th-floor condo at Skypoint.

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I can grab drinks and dinner then walk to a movie at historic Tampa Theatre, catch a performance at The Straz Center, or a concert or sporting event at Amelie Arena.

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Can take a different walk to work every day to my business located in Downtown and I’ve never gotten stuck in traffic!

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The diversity of people.

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Able to hop the #30 bus to/from Tampa International Airport.

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Getting to know the homeless. Most are pretty nice people.

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The Riverwalk is always a great way to take a casual walk waterside.

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Most everything is available in urban Tampa - dining, arts, shopping, spas, gym, parks – and more coming.

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To be part of a growing and vibrant urban core with endless possibilities.

*Offer good for first-time guest only. One hour session consists of 50-minute massage or facial and time for consultation and dressing.

Prices subject to change. Rates and services may vary by location and session. Not all Massage Envy locations offer facial and other services.

For a specific list of services, check with the specific location or see Massage Envy.com. Additional local taxes and fees may apply.

Each location is independently owned and operated. Š 2015 Massage Envy Franchising, LLC. MM#33751

Top 10 Reasons to

LIVE-WORK-PLAY

on Harbour Island Morgan Scarff Island Lover Children’s Behavior Therapist Harbour Islander

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1

The views of downtown and the water are simply breathtaking and beyond compare.

Living on the island makes you feel like you own a small piece of paradise.

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Several restaurants cater to a variety of tastes. You can start your morning off with coffee and a croissant at Cry Baby’s Café; have dinner at That’s Amore, Café Dufrain, or Jackson’s, and unwind with friends for a drink on the waterfront at the Sail Pavilion.

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The island amenities which include an athletic club, spa, dry cleaners, and a convenience store.

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The Harbour Island Art Show the first Sunday of the month, offering a variety of art, jewelry, fashion, food, and home accessories.

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Amalie Arena is just across the channel.

World famous recording artists perform and the Lightning play in our backyard.

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Walking distance to the Channelside Plaza, Tampa Bay History Center, Florida Aquarium, and the Tampa Convention Center.

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The Tampa Riverwalk is located just over the bridge and makes for a relaxing and scenic bike ride or jog.

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Harbour Island provides an amazing view of the city’s fireworks and boat parades!

In December a lighted holiday boat parade circles the island sending twinkling lights down the river, and New Year’s featured two fireworks displays on either end of the island.

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There are also many water activities that people can enjoy. If you do not own a boat or kayak, fear not! Adventure seekers can easily rent eboats, water bikes, and paddleboards to explore the area. Be sure to keep an eye out for manatee and dolphins.

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Above all else, the best reason for living on Harbour Island is simply the people. There is a very strong sense of community here.

The residents are eclectic and diverse. You’ll find doctors, lawyers, and entrepreneurs; pro-athletes, artists, and world travelers. But more importantly, the residents of Harbour Island are some of the most charismatic, thought provoking, and endearing people I have ever met. I take great pride in calling them my Harbour Island Family.

Giving BACK

Literally

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Giving BACK Literally

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f you’ve never been a fan of charitable organizations using the catch-phrase “give back”, that’s understandable.

With its overuse, the phrase may sometimes be seen as generic, overdone, and meaningless. However, this is not the case with the group “Give BACK Tampa”. Most people who see the struggles of homeless individuals often look away or dismiss the scene before their eyes. However, Chad Haynie, a Tampa businessman and resident of the Channel District, sees it as an opportunity to help. He wanted a way to provide something meaningful and useful by literally giving BACK. Last fall, Chad launched a program where the “BACK” in “Give BACK” represented something important.

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With an army of one, Chad started a grassroots initiative to provide Blessing and Care Kits (BACK) to distribute to the homeless. After challenging his friends on social media to help him give BACK packs filled with essential items such as bottled water, flashlights, shampoo, toothpaste, clothing, snacks, portable phone chargers, and umbrellas, he set a modest goal of collecting 20 BACK packs to give to the homeless. Within days, the local advertising agency, MCA/RJA, caught wind of his effort and offered to write a press release to help spread the word. MCA/RJA also partnered with Chad by giving their employees the opportunity to participate in the Give BACK Tampa homeless project. According to Chad, the MCA/RJA’s assistance was a game changer. Word spread quickly and several companies reached out to help. Ed Suyak, The District’s publisher and Channel District Community Alliance (CDCA) board member, invited Chad to a CDCA meeting after learning about the initiative.

The CDCA is a neighborhood association. Suyak’s intentions were to provide Give BACK Tampa the opportunity to share their mission with the association board and members. The CDCA not only listened but, after careful consideration, and a motion by the associations Vice President, Vance Arnett, they pledged their support in the form of donating 10 BACK packs.

As the BACK packs trickled in, so did the local businesses offering support. Ginger Beard Coffee generously became the official drop-off location for donated items and Pour House proposed hosting the Give BACK block party to assemble the final BACK packs and rally community support.

Nurses, teachers, and even police officers were donating. The army of one had become an army of many. It became apparent that, with each BACK pack, multiple lives were being blessed — not only the homeless persons receiving the kits but also the people volunteering. What had started as a story about one man wanting to do something good in the community had become the story of a community coming together to do

something extraordinary.

When the campaign ended in October 2015, Give BACK Tampa had collected and distributed almost 200 BACK packs directly to the homeless in our community through their distribution partners, The Salvation Army and Trinity Café.

The support was so strong that Chad has been working to develop his project into a community outreach program. As Give BACK Tampa launches its spring BACK pack drive, it has set some objectives. These objectives include collecting and distributing 500 BACK packs to the homeless before summer, forming meaningful relationships with the homeless, and connecting the homeless to organizations and resources that can best help them address their individual challenges. Chad explains, “We just launched our spring campaign LUVforward with the focus on encouraging the community to LEARN about the challenges the homeless face, UNDERSTAND what they can do to help, and VALUE them as human beings. Learn, Understand, Value-LUV”. In a savvy move, Give BACK Tampa launched the #LUVforward campaign and provided a pop-up lunch event for the homeless at Lyke’s Gaslight Park on Valentine’s Day. Volunteers prepared a long table covered with a white tablecloth, Valentine’s Day decorations, and a red vase with longstemmed red roses. They served lunch to nearly 50 homeless individuals, and distributed roses and handmade valentines with a special message for each recipient inside. When I asked Chad what the message was, he said, “Simple. You are Luv’d. Sometimes we all just need that reminder”.

Once again, the community and local businesses contributed to making the event possible. Local businesses, such as Eddie & Sam’s NY Pizza, Smallcakes Tampa, The Transformation Place, Geoffery’s Cuisine by Design, and Meyer Inspired Photography donated their services, products, and food to bring Tampa together again. Only, this time, they didn’t just Give BACK Tampa, they offered LUVforward.

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Walk on Water

by Tessa Blosser

Stand up paddleboarding (SUP) is a sport that has been around for decades but is just making news worldwide. Originating in Hawaii and Tahiti, paddleboarding is now the world’s fastest-

growing low-impact fitness crave, sport and leisure activity. Since the barrier to entry is easier than riding a bicycle, almost anyone can get out on a board and essentially ‘walk on water.’

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As the owner of WhatSUP South Tampa, a local lessons and paddle shop in the Tampa Bay area, I see people fall in love with the sport all the time. Our tag line is “Learn it. Love it. Live it.” for a reason, but mostly because that is the process I went through after trying SUP eight years ago. Shortly after I realized I was not the only one feeling this way. It was a process most people go through after experiencing SUP. Majority of people learn how to paddleboard and tend to fall in love with it immediately. (Learn it.) Just something about being out on the water, seeing all the wild life and having time to relax and enjoy themselves are only a few of the reasons. (Love it.) After paddling a couple times people get hooked. It starts to become a way of life, like a sense of the Hawaiian heritage becomes a part of them. They start to live the Aloha way, which is like an atmosphere of friendliness and love all around them. (Live it.) SUP has become a lifestyle for a lot of people and it is a great community filled with fun-loving, adventurous and easy-going people.

By now a majority of people have either tried paddleboarding or have seen people paddling somewhere, whether at the beach, bay or river. Most people have tried SUP for the first time from a rental stand, where they give you a board and paddle (and hopefully a PFD!) and just let you go.

They usually don’t show you how to stand, how to hold the paddle or give you any pointers. Just leave you for the waves! If this was you, I hope you had fun and it was a calm day. This is why I started my business. I was at the beach with a bunch of friends and saw that EVERY person paddleboarding had the paddle the wrong way! I couldn’t believe it. It takes two seconds to tell someone to flip the blade around and that alone can change their experience on the water. So after seeing this multiple times and ready to start a new career, I decided to start WhatSUP.

Taking fitness to a whole new level The difference between WhatSUP and rental shops • We carry premium boards. I’m not going to put you on a typical rental board that is just meant to float and not get damaged.

They are extremely heavy and slow! This alone can make or break your experience on the water.

• We give lessons before each session, even if you have SUPed before or not. We do this because paddleboarding is such an awkward sport. The technique does not come natural. Most people have kayaked before and think it is the same but it is completely different.

• An instructor is with the group the entire time. We are able to give pointers throughout the paddle session to make sure you are feeling comfortable and having a great time on the water. Having that support system can make or break your experience as well.

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The SUP industry is taking fitness to a whole new level. Not only are you burning calories on just a leisure paddle but SUPers are taking their workouts to the water. They are training for different races, completing high-intensity and low impact workouts and even doing yoga on their paddleboards. It’s a crazy-fun way to get your workout in and earn killer abs, arms and legs. Adding the instability engages more muscles than you knew you had. WhatSUP offers this variety of workouts for our customers and they rave about it.

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Do Americans Really Want Elmer J. Fudd or Cruella de Vil as President?

Are Donald and Hillary the Best 153 Million Registered Voters Can Produce?

BY HOWARD BARBANEL

In the award winning musical Fiddler on the Roof the main character is “Tevya The Milkman.” In today’s socio-economic terms you’d probably call him a struggling small businessman.

One of his biggest wishes is to “be a wealthy man,” so much so that one of the show’s main songs is entitled “If I Were a Rich Man.” (A riff on this song was done in 2004 by Gwen Stefani called “Rich Girl.”)

One of the key aspects of Tevya’s song is that if he were in fact a rich man, he would secure prime seating at his local house of worship and in addition everyone would besiege him with questions and for his advice, “problems that would cross a rabbi’s eyes” because “when you’re rich they think you really know.”

Not much has changed in human nature since the lyrics of that song were written in 1964 because so many people in this country are in thrall in this presidential election cycle to rich people who think they really know.

Democratic presidential candidate Senator Bernie Sanders fulminates against the “billionaires who’ve rigged the system” and how the rich control our economy, the electoral process and the country. He’s calling for a “revolution” on behalf of the Average Joe which can sound pretty radical. Even though I disagree with most of Sanders’ policies and positions, he’s really not far off the mark about the affluent (which can also mean business or special interests) often controlling politics, especially on the national level. Interestingly, most Americans don’t see this as any kind of a problem.

Many of the very top candidates (and some not doing well in the polls) do in fact come from either the Patrician or Oligarch class. A reason for that is when you don’t have to worry about putting bread on the table or sweating out a monthly mortgage you have a lot of free time to pursue politics. Someone punching a clock every day where their presence would be THE DISTRICT - TAMPA’S URBAN DWELLING MAGAZINE

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missed at their desk or on the loading dock?

Not so possible.

On the Republican side, the man leading all the polls is an actual billionaire who professes no end of braggadocio about it and uses it as his main qualification to lead the county despite not an hour of experience in elective office or the military. Millions of Americans flock to him because he has nothing whatsoever to lose by saying the most outlandish things that can be highly entertaining and is a vicarious release of voters’ powerlessness, anger and frustration. Because he has “F.U. Money” he’s insulated from the ramifications of his words and because even if he loses he’ll still be Donald Trump why not drop malicious gossip bombs hither and yon? What can anyone do to him?

The Wall Street Journal on January 15th reported on the sale of a penthouse Mr. Trump owns personally in his Trump Park Avenue condo building in Manhattan for $21 million the week prior. He sold another unit recently for $14 million and he’s got another apartment on the market for $35 million. Mr. Trump’s daughter Ivanka in replying to a question whether Mr. Trump’s increased visibility because of the presidential campaign has had any effect on these sales said “the [Trump] brand has never been stronger.” Nothing to lose. Meanwhile, more worthy and more qualified candidates languish at the bottom of the polls while Mr. Trump entertains himself, the media and the country.

On the Democratic side, the woman leading all the polls has earned vast sums of money from accepting huge speaking and consulting fees from giant corporations and from enormous book advances. She and her husband have pulled in nearly $230 million since 2001.

Talk about profiting from public service. (http://www.forbes.com/sites/ danalexander/2015/10/13/how-theclintons-made-more-than-230-million-afterleaving-the-white-house/#55ae31f6791e) Having been Secretary of State bolstered the Clinton, Inc. brand and now being a top 46 46

candidate hasn’t slowed down the flow of cash to her and her husband. If she wins the presidency the money will literally be Mount Gushmore. Mrs. Clinton because of her wealth, fame and privilege also is quite insulated from reality which is why she doesn’t see it as any kind of problem whatsoever that she had her own private hackable email server while working at Foggy Bottom in total violation of the laws for public officials handling sensitive and national security matters.

Like Mr. Trump, Mrs. Clinton hasn’t driven herself to work or to the market in years. They both have retinues of aides and staffers to fill their every need and cater to their every whim.

How can either of these two people ever hope to really understand the needs, thoughts and hopes of John and Jane Q. Public? Remember when George Bush the Elder didn’t know what a supermarket checkout scanner was?

The American people rightly intuited that he hadn’t a clue about their daily lives. Why then are Americans flocking to these same out of touch flush types now? umored to be mulling an independent entry into the presidential race is former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg – another billionaire – which would give American voters the choice between rich, richer and richest.

The population of the US is approximately 318 million according to the US Census Bureau.

Roughly 153 million Americans are registered to vote (although 215 million are eligible). Of that figure 32 percent are registered Democrats, 23 percent as Republicans and 39 percent are Independents. Out of 153 million American voters the best people we can produce from that vast polity to lead this country are Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton? What does this say about the sad state of public life in this country? Why do we want to be led by Elmer J. Fudd or Cruella de Vil? I may disagree with Bernie Sanders about healthcare, taxation and foreign policy but he’s right that the people need to take back the political process so that candidates of greater quality from both parties will have a serious shot at leadership.

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