Abby Sunderland Back Home

Teen sailor Abby Sunderland, 16, is now back home. She held a press conference in Marina Del Rey and spoke of her record attempt to circumnavigate the world in her 40 foot sail boat "Wild Eyes." Her dream ended when her vessel was struck by a giant rouge wave which spun it around under water and broke the main carbon fiber mast.

Abby was rescued by a French fishing vessel after she set off her rescue beacons. Her 18 year old brother Zac Sunderland has also circumnavigated the world in a 36 foot sail boat. Abby was 12000 miles into her sailing adventure and is the youngest person to solo Cape Horn.

Her parents has received much criticism for allowing her to sail the world. They released a statement supporting their daughter's decision to follow her sailing endeavors.

Abby will now spend her time studying and applying for her driver's license.

Photos by Ted Soqui © 2010

Ted Soqui Photography Honored at 52nd L.A. Press Club Journalism Awards

I was honored with a first place award for 2009 single topic photo essay at this year's 52nd Annual Southern California Journalism Awards, presented by the Los Angeles Press Club.

The photo essay was about Lancaster Prison, and was photographed for Los Angeles Magazine. Photo editor Kathleen Clark hired me for the shoot and cultivated the images into a powerful photo expose' for the magazine.

The awards presentation was held at the glamorous Biltmore Hotel in downtown L.A.

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Anderson Cooper of CNN, and Sean Penn attended the gala affair.

Thank you Los Angeles Press Club.

Photograph by Ted Soqui © 2010

Al Gore Denies Affair

Candidate Gore in L.A. 8/2000

Al and Tipper at the Democratic Convention in L.A. 8/2000

Former Vice-President of the U.S., Albert Gore, denied a report by Star magazine that he had an affair with Laurie David, an environmentalist and former wife of Larry David of "Seinfeld" and "Curb Your Enthusiasm" fame.

The magazine claims the affair went on for over two years, all parties involved deny the Star's report as well.

Albert and Tipper Gore, who were high school sweethearts, are currently separated and have been married for 40 years.

Photos by Ted Soqui © 2010

Election Day In L.A.

Back again.

Voting in Brentwood.

Gray, LHAO!

Poizner, out.

Gov's boots.

Governor voting, twice.

Election day in Los Angeles.

Photos by Ted Soqui © 2010