Bukowski Home Declared A Historical Cultural Monument

The LA City Council did something right this week, finally. They declared the Hollywood bungalow and complex where Poet/God Charles Bukowski lived, from 1963 to 1972, a historical cultural monument. Basically it means the owner of the complex cannot rip it down or change it much without approval from the city. The complex was built around 1922 and 1926. There looks to be some much need demolition or repair going on there now. Bukowski wrote his first novel "Post Office" while living in the bungalow complex. He died in 1994 in San Pedro. To all my friends!

Photo by Ted Soqui c 2008

Cold And Rainy TOC Final Stage 2-24-08

A very wet, cold, and rainy stage of the Tour of California. The TOC wrapped up it's final stage at Pasadena's Rose Bowl where wind, rain, and cold weather produced a race hardened George Hincapie as it's final stage winner and Levi Leipheimer as the overall winner. Congratulations to Levi all of the pro riders who finished the TOC.

Photos by Ted Soqui c 2008

Golden God or Dark Lord? 2-22-08

Oscar preparations are underway on Hollywood Blvd in front of the Kodak Theater. All of the preparations are on schedule and the producers of the show are ready to "get on with it" rain or shine.

Photo by Ted Soqui c 2008

Stars Came Out Tonight 2-20-08

The stars came out tonight during the lunar eclipse. A spooky reddish hue was cast upon the full moon during the totality which lasted for almost an hour. Officials stated that this will be the last lunar eclipse we will "see" till 2010. This photo was shot from Pasadena near the Art Center College.

Photo by Ted Soqui c 2008

NASCAR Comes To Hollywood. 2-19-08

Ryan Newman, winner of the 2008 Daytona 500, showed up to sign autographs and meet fans at the Hollywood and Highland complex. He showed off his new gold and diamond encrusted Daytona 500 50th anniversary Champion's ring. About 100 fans showed up to greet Mr. Newman. The low turn out was attributed to the weather, rain. The number 11 car, a Toyota Camry COT Cup Car, was on display thanks to Richard Petty Racing School. The California Auto Club 500 will be held this Sunday, Feb 24th in Fontana at the California Speedway.

Photos by Ted Soqui c 2008

Spring Time Blooms In The HLP 2-19-08

The first blooms in my spring garden appeared this week. Planted several trees in my yard last year free of cost from the Million Trees LA Iniative , and they are starting to bloom. The Million Trees Iniative is part of Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's plan to green up LA and reduce green house gases. Each LA resident may receive up to 7 trees to plant in their yard. The DWP also has a partnership plan with Million Trees LA. You can order free trees from the DWP website as well.

Photo by Ted Soqui c 2008

We Back! 2-18-08

Preparations begin on Hollywood Blvd. for the 80th Academy Awards show. A huge 20 foot tall statue of the Oscar (A.M.P.A.S.) was delivered to the entrance of the Kodak Theater where the show will be held. Let the bread and circus begin. 

Photo by Ted Soqui c 2008

Quitter, Romney. 1-7-08

Mitt Romney gives up the ghost in the chase for the US Presidency. California was his last stand, and McCain was the Sioux.

Photo by Ted Soqui

LACMA's BCAM Press Preview. 2-7-08

LACMA's newest building BCAM (Broad Contemporary Art museum) held their press preview. The modern boxy uninspired three floored building will house most of Eli Broad's contemporary art and a small choice of LACMA's collection. Broad completely footed the 56 million dollar bill. He even got to choose architect Renzo Piano over LACMA's favorite Rem Koolhaas. The outside of BCAM is too weak and dull for modern LA. Gehry would have made the best choice for architect. BCAM has few bright spots. There is the oddly long escalator to the top floor. The top floor is brilliant inside with open glass ceilings and sunshades which make beautiful natural light. The museum would have been perfect if they just stopped with the top floor. Floors two and three are lifeless, dark and dungeon like with weak lighting. Great for gothic not modern art. No connection is made with the top floor at all, ala the Guggenhiem. The artwork is stodgy for a modern art collection. The bright spots are Jeff Koons brilliant sculptures along with Jean-Michel Basquiat's and Jasper John's painting. The rest of the collection is too self indulgent and basic. The Chris Burden "Urban Light" installation is interesting and makes a fun entrance to BCAM, although the flooring has some steps too close to the border. BCAM is going to see lot's of twisted ankles. The garden is predictable with various non-indigenous palm trees and tropicals. BCAM feels temporary overall, just like most of LA.

Photos by Ted Soqui c 2008

Our Lady De Los Angeles Hillary Clinton 2-6-08

Los Angeles County chose Hillary Clinton as their Democratic Presidential candidate over the hip and cool Barack Obama. With 99.79% of the precincts reporting, Hillary has won with 658,353 votes and 55.01% of the LA returns over Barack Obama with 495,859 votes and 41.43%. LA loves the Lady.

Photo by Ted Soqui c 2008

John McCain In San Diego 2-5-08

Senator John McCain and his wife Cindy made his last campaign stop in San Diego at the airport. He was met by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger who endorsed Mr. McCain earlier this week after stating he would not endorse anyone for President. Mr. McCain spoke to the crowd of about 300 supporters and then presented his 91 year old mom, Roberta Wright McCain (oil heiress). Interesting McCain factoid. He was born in Panama at Coco Solo a Panama Canal Zone. Maybe that will explain his stance on immigration?

Photo by Ted Soqui c 2008

VOTE!

Don't forget to vote. You can make a difference!

Photo by Ted Soqui c 2008

Mitt Hoping to Catch Some California Love 2-4-08

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney held a rally at a Long Beach Airport hanger. With less than 24 hours notice, about 1500 people showed up to support their candidate. Mitt also declared that "there is something going on in California." He's right, people are going to the polls to vote for his rival John McCain.

Photo by Ted Soqui c 2008

Bill Clinton Speaks 2-4-08

Former President Bill Clinton spoke at a rally held for his wife Hillary at Santa Ana College. He talked passionately about his wife's vast experience and how she would bring peace instead of war to the rest of the world. He also said about how popular Hillary is with world leaders. Mr. Clinton spoke for about half an hour to a crowd of about 600 people.

Photo by Ted Soqui c 2008

Super Sunday 2-3-08

Oprah Winfrey, Michelle Obama, Caroline Kennedy, Maria Elena Durazo, and California's First Lady Maria Shriver held a rally at UCLA's Pauley Pavillion. About ten thousand Angelenos came out to show their support for Barack Obama. Michelle Obama gave a long passionate speech about why one should vote for her husband for president. It was truly a Super Sunday. Stevie Wonder showed up and sang a very short song about Barack Obama.

America Wants Hillary For President 2-2-08

Senator Hillary Clinton spoke at a rally held at Cal State University. She received several endorsements form local politicians Gloria Molina, Ron Dellums, and California State Controller John Chiang. Earvin "Magic" Johnson was in attendance along with Ted Danson, Mary Steenburgen, Sally Field, and America Ferrera of "Ugly Betty" who enthusiastically endorsed Hillary for US President. Senator Clinton spoke for about an hour.

Photo by Ted Soqui c 2008

"Uncle Teddy" In East Los 2-1-08

Senator Edward Kennedy made a campaign stop to support Barack Obama in East LA. He spoke at a rally held at East LA Community College. Senator Kennedy even spoke spanish to the crowd of students and Barack supporters. He had to translate his Spanish back into English due to his heavy Boston accent. He said he was trying for a Castilian Spanish accent. 

Photo by Ted Soquic 2008

Sun, Stars, Snakes, And Civility In Hollywood 1-31-08

The stars of the Democratic party debated at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton shined as they debated on the war in Iraq, the economy, and the future of America. Hundreds of people watched the debate on a jumbo screen in the middle of the Hollywood and Highland Complex's courtyard. Spotted in the audience was LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, LAPD Chief Bratton, Diane Keaton, Stevie Wonder, and Leo Dicaprio.

Photos by Ted Soqui c 2008