Coolest Editor Ever! Steve Appleford

LA City Beat fired LA's best and coolest editor ever last week. I have no word on why he was "replaced" yet. Steve had a high respect for photographers, because he is one. He also resisted following the trend of replacing professional photographers with amateurs and iphotographers, while still recognizing new and younger talented photographers. Steve would often be seen in the field taking photos as well, often shooting film instead of digital. He is the founding editor at City Beat. Steve, thanks for running my pictures.

Photograph courtesy of David Markland c 2008

Senator John McCain Speaks to LA Worlds Affairs Council

Senator John McCain spoke to the LA Worlds Affair Council about his foreign policy at the Bonaventure hotel in Downtown LA. Mr. McCain gave his views on the Iraq war, the G8, and Latin America. He also tried to distance himself from President Bush by telling the crowd how he hated war. Yet Mr. McCain said he would not withdrawal troops from the 5 year long Iraq bloodbath.

Photo by Ted Soqui c 2008

"When 'Barry' Became Barack"

This is a photo from Barack Obama's senior year at Punahou High School in Hawaii back in 1979. Newsweek assigned me to photograph the image for their latest cover "When 'Barry' Became Barack." Turns out "Barry" first attended college in Eagle Rock at Occidental College. He was often seen at a famous local eatery Casa Bianca eating his favorite pizza, Hawaiian Style.

Circle Of Life

A plaque was dedicated at the spot, 2120 Fith Ave, where Jamiel Shaw was shot and killed by a 18th street gang banger. The plaque is to be placed next to a tree in which Jamiel planted with LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa three years ago for the Million Trees Initiative. Mayor Villaraigosa payed tribute to Jamiel and spoke about how he impressed him. The Mayor also ended his speech by saying "the circle of life, a truth without question." City Councilman Bernard Parks also spoke about Jamiel and how his family will have to deal with the pain and struggle every birthday and holiday for the rest of their lives. He said he does after losing his granddaughter to a senseless street shooting. Councilman Herb Wesson, Anita Shaw mother of Jamiel, and Jamiel Sr. his father also spoke at the dedication. Anita Shaw is a US Army Sergeant serving in Iraq. She is expected back to the middle east early next week, first to Kuwait and then Germany, to finish out her service. The Army has denied Anita Shaw any furlough from service. LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and several LA City Counncilpeople have written letters on Anita's behalf to have her Army service closer to home so she can take care of her younger son, 9 year old Thomas, and to attend the trial of her son's killer. 

Photos by Ted Soqui c 2008

First Day of Spring

Some blooms from my spring garden. Felt a bit like Horton. Didn't hear anything though. Still waiting for my Tulips to bloom, the Lilies beat them this year. Happy Spring!

Photos by Ted Soqui c 2008

Body Worlds 3

Body Worlds is back in Los Angeles. The controversial exhibition of the human body featuring the human heart will be at the the California Science Center in Exposition Park starting March 15, 2008. Dr. Gunther von Hagens, inventor and creator of Body Worlds and Plastination, created several new never seen before authentic human specimens for the show. The exhibit will run until September 7, 2008.

Photos by Ted Soqui c 2008

LA Fashion Week Day 5

The Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Smashbox Studios is now over. The final night included a concert and fashion show by the Pussycat Dolls. The show featured lingerie designed by Pussycat Doll founder Robin Antin. Dr. Dre, Puffy Combs, and Quincy Jones were spotted in the front row checking out the show. The Monarchy collection also showed in the main tent. Lots of great looks including some amazing men's and women's huge scarfs. Ashley Paige also showed why she is the best at what she does. Her swimsuit collection was brilliant and even had Sarah Lawson, girlfriend of George Clooney, walk the catwalk for her.

Photos by Ted Soqui c 2008

LA Fashion Week Day 4

Day 4 of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week held at the Smashbox Studios is over. Elmer Ave had an amazing show with lots of great men's and women's looks. A very strong collection filled with a new take on Goth-Rock. The live music was a bit annoying though. It's never a good sign when they hand out earplugs before the show. Jenny Han and the Green Initiative Humanitarian Collective also showed today.

Photos by Ted Soqui c 2008

LA Fashion Week Day 3

Day 3 is over, yawn. The show of the day was Nikolai by Nicky Hilton. She did some nice looks, but ruined them by having the models wear some ridiculous horse riding helmets. She should have designed some helmets for her family to wear when driving instead. Maggie Barry had an amazing showing with her men's wear which even had rocker David Lee Roth's front row approval. Barry's women's collection was clownish. Lauren Conrad of "The Hills" had a strong collection of dresses as well.

Photos by Ted Soqui c 2008

LA Fashion Week Day 2

More of the same at the Smashbox Studios on day two of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Culver City. Jenna Jameson dropped in to reveal her new PETA ad, it was pandemonium for a while. She is expected to walk the runway on Tuesday for Nicky Hilton's Nikolai collection. One bright spot today was the Punk-Chic designs of Alexis Lamontagna. Joseph Domingo had a really nice collection too.

Photos by Ted Soqui c 2008

LA Fashion Week Begins

Mercedes-Benz LA Fashion Week Fall '08 collection begins at the Smashbox Studios in Culver City. Four shows started the week of fashion including Imasu by Kelly Nishimoto, Orthodox, Julia Clancey and Whitley Kros. It was a weak start with few interesting looks from any of the designers. Whitley Kros was the most popular of the shows followed by Julia Clancey's collection which included a political protest message to the US Customs Department.

Photos by Ted Soqui c 2008

LA Weekly Cover Photo March 7-13, 2008/ Vol.30/No.16

My photo of Stanton Kaye made on the cover and inside opening spread of the LA Weekly. The story was written by the great writer Steven Mikulan. It is a feature on Stanton Kaye, a former Hollywood golden boy director, and what he has been doing lately to re-invent himself. Steven's profile of Stanton is amazing and smartly written.

Photos by Ted Soqui c 2008