Detours: a country in search of direction
On the eve of the election, a reporter and photographer set out for Washington, via America. We tell stories from seven towns, touching on seven issues from politics and real life.
Friday Night Rewind It doesn't matter which team you cheer for. We've got video previews of every high school football program in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco and Hernando County.
Game show themes
These themes are probably going to make some of you have flashbacks to wasted mornings or afternoons spent sprawled in front of the TV.
Ten years ago, most of them were single, young and hip. It was kind of funny to call them ugly.
Today, most are married with kids and settling into middle age. Be careful about calling them ugly. They might take offense.
The 13 Ugly Men was founded in the early '90s by a group of local doctors, lawyers and businessmen looking to spice up the social scene. Their mission: organize cool parties that attract hot people (and hot dates).
On Saturday, the group hosts one of its most popular events, the White Party, now in its 10th year. The first party was held in June at the Tampa Port Authority. Then president Randy Feldman, a South Tampa orthodontist, called it A Midsummer Night's Dream after his favorite Shakespeare play. The 13 Ugly Men wore black; everyone else wore white (or got the boot from bouncers).
Eventually, the group changed the party to May to avoid the summer heat. The "Uglies'' started wearing white with a different-colored shirt or accessory to distinguish them from the crowd. A few years ago, the party moved to the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, where guests mingle between the pool area and ballroom decorated in South Beach chic.
The event has grown from about 200 people to more than 1,000. Like all of the parties, proceeds — usually $10,000 to $20,000 per party — goes to a local charity.
Patrick Smith, who was president of the group for several years, is among the few who have attended every White Party. It's one of his favorites.
"There's great-looking people. Great food. Great entertainment,'' he said. "The party's theme appeals to everybody.''
Smith was 34 and single at the first party. Everyone called him "Smitty.''
Today, he's 44 and married, with a 3-year-old and a teenage stepson. He goes by Pat or Patrick. It doesn't really matter.
After 10 years, he's fine to stand back and let the newer "uglies'' run the show.
13 Ugly Men's White Party
The event runs from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, 5223 N Orient Road, Tampa. Tickets are $39 in advance or $59 at the door for women and $59 in advance or $79 at the door for men. Go to 13uglymen.com for details.
[Last modified: May 05, 2008 01:07 PM]
Comments on this article
by Rob
May 5, 2008 1:07 PM
Melissa, what the heck does him being 44 w/a 3yr old have to do with anything? i have never commented on an article before but just had to here. the story is about a group of guys who have parties with $ going to charity.Sounds pretty grown up to me.
by Melissa
May 2, 2008 2:23 PM
Another group of men that never grow up. 44 years old with a 3 year old? feel sorry for any women in the picture!
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