Ferris Rules!

The Ferris wheel at Santa Monica Pier was finally opened last night. The new Ferris wheel replaces the last one which was auctioned off on eBay for $132, 400 USD. This new and improved version features over 160, 000 lights and is solar powered. It is 130 feet tall at it's highest point , has 20 gondolas which hold 6 adults, and cost $1.5 million USD. Rides were free to the public along with popcorn and cotton candy for all. Overall it was an amazing night and everyone who exited the wheel had a smile. A rare night in LA (Santa Monica).

Photos by Ted Soqui c 2008

Another Senseless Shooting In The HLP

A 14 year old girl sitting in her families car was struck in the head by a stray bullet when two gang members got into an argument near a Rite Aid parking lot at York Blvd. at Ave 64 in Highland Park. One gangster produced a gun and shot the other twice in the arms, one bullet strayed and hit the girl. She was pronounced brain dead and will probably not make it according to LAPD authorities (she has now died). Several people in the area were arrested. The area where the shooting occurred has a red hot gang problem. Gang graffiti goes up faster than it is taken down and LAPD are overwhelmed by the gang plague. The local city councilman, Jose Huizar 14 District, is oblivious to the gang plague and has done nothing effective to slow the tide. Sadly there is another big box-pharma store opening on the corner of York Blvd. at Eagle Rock Blvd. There are now four within 6 miles of each other, the third is at Figueroa St. at Colorado Blvd, and the fourth is at Colorado Blvd at Eagle Rock Blvd. I went into the Rite Aid at York Blvd. and Ave 64. The biggest selling item was 12 packs of cheap beer. Theses big-box-pharmas are just gloried liquor stores. The city councilman should produce legislation, too late now, that would limit the amount of these big-box-pharmas and not allow them to flood the Highland Park area with cheap hooch. They homogenize a wonderful historic neighborhood .

Memorial Day 2008

In memory of Staff Sergeant David Soqui Urias.

Keeper Of The Flame, Cornell Capa 1918-2008

Founder of the ICP, international Center For Photography, and legacy keeper of his brother's photography, Robert Capa, died last Friday at his NYC home. His dedication to photojournalism was rarely matched by anyone. Cornell's was often conflicted by "concerned photography", a term he coined that referred to his personal and emotional engagement he often had for his subject. The end results gave Cornell a glimpse into his subjects that was seldom found by others. 

Photo by Cornell Capa /ICP Photography Collection 1960

David Cook American Idol 2008

What a night at the Nokia Theater. No one in the building thought David Cook would really win over wunderkind Archuleta. Even the normally quiet press room broke into a loud roar of "OH MY GODS", screams, and applause, bringing the old rule of no cheering in the press box to an end. David Cook finally made it down to the press photo room after the show and was congratulated by many elated photographers. One photog told Cook she voted for him 30 times last night. The gracious Cook looked a bit tired from his wild journey but posed for every photog and seemed to enjoy his time in the spot light.

Photo by Ted Soqui c 2008

More American Idol Hawaiian Style

Was just in Kona, Hawaii and spotted this message on a lava field. Personally, I don't think Clay Aiken sucks. Guess the Hawaiians feel different and strongly enough to put it on a lava field for all to see. Clay Aiken, born Clay Holmes Grissom, was runner up in the 2003 American Idol season 2 singing competition. Wonder if he gets out to Hawaii much?

Photo by Ted Soqui c 2008

Battle Of The Davids

2008 American Idol finalist David Archuleta and David Cook battled it out with song tonight at the Nokia Theater located in Downtown LA. Archuleta performed flawlessly and outshined Cook with every song. The winner will be announced tomorrow at the Nokia in a 2 hour show. Who did you vote for?

Photos By Ted Soqui c 2008

Uncle Teddy

It was reported today that legendary lawmaker Senator Edward "Ted" Kennedy has a malignant brain tumor. He is expected to undergo chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Survival rates for this type of cancer are sadly dismal, and the treatments are often debilitating. My prayers and well wishes go out to Senator Kennedy and his family. I was also named after the Senator. Ted.

Photo by Ted Soqui c 2008

Bellisima!

Over 100 of the world's most beautiful driving machines were on display in Old Town Pasadena last Sunday. Ferrari owners from the Ferrari Club of America southwest region, showed off their vintage and contemporary bella Ferraris to the public on Colorado Blvd. The total value of Ferrari on display was listed as $100,000,000 by the club. 

Photos by Ted Soqui c 2008

May Day March

Several thousand marchers and protesters paraded up Broadway to 1st Street in downtown LA. It was a mostly peaceful event. I was only shoved by a couple of over zealous photographers and had my toes run over by a few street vendor carts. Otherwise it was an great march sans the popo beat down.

Photos by Ted Soqui c 2008