https://www.facebook.com/696280257054930/

Michael de la Force™ images, 244 5th Avenue, Ste C289, New York, NY (2025)

09/04/2024

ALISO CREEK, LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA

Aliso Creek is a significant waterway in Orange County, California, with a rich history and diverse ecosystem. This article will explore various aspects of Aliso Creek, including its history, development, environmental challenges, and recreational importance.

History and Discovery
The Aliso Creek area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, specifically serving as a boundary between the Acjachemem (Juaneño) and Tongva (Gabrieleño) peoples. Spanish explorers reached the area in the 1700s, naming the creek "Aliso," which means alder in Spanish, in reference to the riparian vegetation along its banks.

Course and Length
Aliso Creek stretches approximately 19 miles from its origin in the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains to its outlet at Aliso Beach in Laguna Beach. The creek flows through several Orange County cities, including Laguna Hills, Laguna Woods, Laguna Niguel, and Aliso Viejo, before reaching the Pacific Ocean.

Development and Urbanization
Since the 1950s, the Aliso Creek watershed has undergone significant urbanization:
By the 21st century, over 70% of the watershed had been developed.
Much of the creek's course has been channelized or impacted by urban development.
The creation of Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park in 1979 helped preserve a significant portion of the creek's natural habitat.

Water Quality and Environmental Challenges
Urbanization has led to several environmental issues for Aliso Creek:
Increased urban runoff has caused severe erosion throughout the creek's course.

Pollution from urban areas has become a chronic problem.
The creek has suffered from invasive species infestations, particularly giant reed (Arundo donax).

Various restoration efforts are underway to address these issues, including:
The Aliso Creek Wildlife Habitat Enhancement Project (ACWHEP).
Removal of invasive vegetation and replanting of native species.
Ongoing water quality improvement initiatives by local organizations and government agencies.

Recreational Importance
Surfing and the Berm
Aliso Creek is popular among surfers and skimboarders due to a unique feature at its ocean outlet:
The creek creates a standing wave where it meets the ocean, attracting water sports enthusiasts.
A sand berm often forms at the creek's mouth, which, when breached, can create exciting conditions for surfers and skimboarders.

The Lodge
The Aliso Creek Inn and Golf Course, now known as The Ranch at Laguna Beach, is located near the mouth of Aliso Canyon. This historic property has been a popular destination since the 1960s, offering accommodations and recreational activities in a scenic setting.

Trails and Recreation
The Aliso Creek Regional Bikeway, Riding and Hiking Trail runs for 15 miles along the creek, offering opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the area's natural beauty and wildlife.
In conclusion, Aliso Creek plays a vital role in Orange County's ecosystem and recreational landscape. While facing challenges from urbanization and pollution, ongoing conservation and restoration efforts aim to preserve this important waterway for future generations.

(Photographer: Michael de la Force, Like Magazine, 9.4.24)

09/04/2024

TORREY PINES LODGE

Ellen Browning Scripps, a prominent philanthropist and newspaper heiress, played a crucial role in preserving the unique landscape of Torrey Pines and establishing the iconic Torrey Pines Lodge.

The Torrey Pines Lodge
The Torrey Pines Lodge, designed by noted architects Richard Requa and Herbert Lewis Jackson, was built between 1922 and 1923 in the Pueblo Revival style. Ellen Browning Scripps financed the construction of the lodge as a gift to the people of San Diego.
Originally, the lodge served as a restaurant and rest stop for travelers. This was particularly important given its location along the newly constructed coast highway, which made Torrey Pines Park the gateway to San Diego. The lodge welcomed the newly mobile motoring public, offering food and souvenirs.
Today, the lodge continues to serve as a focal point for visitors, housing exhibits on natural history and a Museum Shop.

Ellen Browning Scripps and Torrey Pines
Ellen Browning Scripps was instrumental in preserving the Torrey Pines area. She recognized the importance of protecting this unique landscape from development. Between 1908 and 1912, Miss Scripps purchased several lots containing the best and densest groves of Torrey pines, which were at risk of being subdivided and commercialized.

In 1921, Scripps hired naturalist Guy Fleming to care for and protect the area. She also funded the construction of Fleming's house on the property. In her final act of preservation, Scripps bequeathed the groves of Torrey pines to the City of San Diego in 1932, with the stipulation that they "be held in perpetuity as a public park" and that care be taken to preserve the area's natural beauty.

The Scripps Family and Legacy
Ellen Browning Scripps came from a family of newspaper publishers. Her brother, E.W. Scripps, founded what would become the Scripps-Howard newspaper chain. Ellen used her wealth from the family business to support various philanthropic endeavors, particularly in the San Diego area.

The Scripps family's influence extends beyond Torrey Pines. They have been involved in various scientific and educational institutions. For instance, the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, part of the University of California San Diego, was founded with support from Ellen Browning Scripps.

Today, the Scripps family continues to be involved in media and philanthropy. Scripps Health, a non-profit health system in San Diego, was founded by Ellen Browning Scripps and continues to expand and innovate in healthcare. The E.W. Scripps Company, a media conglomerate, traces its roots back to the Scripps family's newspaper business.

Ellen Browning Scripps' foresight and generosity have left an indelible mark on San Diego's landscape and institutions. The Torrey Pines Lodge stands as a testament to her vision of preserving natural beauty and making it accessible to the public.

Photographer: Michael de la Force, 9.4.24

07/20/2024

(ON THIS DAY) GLOBAL GOODWILL AMBASSADOR ENDORSEMENT

"Coweta native Michael de la Force has been endorsed to become an Ambassador of the Goodwill Diplomatic Corps.
The endorsement came July 11 in New York City from Taina A. Rokotuiveikau Woodward, national president for the Pan Pacific Southeast Asia Women’s Association USA.
Woodward cited de la Force’s passion to chronicle and engage top New York City social events and causes.
de la Force has received nomination support for the honor from United Nations NGO PPSEAWA, to which he has belonged for over 15 years.
According to a news release, his creativity as a photojournalist has captured and etched memories of active projects supporting their 85-year mission.
That mission is to strengthen the bonds of peace by fostering a better understanding of the cultures of and friendship among women (and men) of all Pacific and Southeast Asia areas.
de la Force is a photojournalist, advocate, philanthropist, humanitarian and social ambassador. His work is said to encapsulate the pulse of New York City particularly with celebrities, fashion designers, models, actors, politicians, cultural icons and the power elite.
He is a longtime member of the New York Press Club as a publisher, journalist and photojournalist. He is publisher of Leadership Media and Like Magazine.
The Coweta native has received White House press credentials and has photographed President Barack Obama on two occasions. Others include former United States presidents and many international dignitaries.
de la Force is also a professional actor. He has been an active member of the Screen Actors Guild/American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG/AFTRA) since 1998 and has worked on a number of television shows, commercials and more, including the soap opera, “As the World Turns.”

07/15/2024

LOVE CONQUERS WAR: MARS AND VENUE BY NICOLAS POUSSIN (circa 1630)

Nicolas Poussin, born in 1594 in Les Andelys, Normandy, was a French painter who became a central figure in the development of French Baroque classicism. Despite his French origins, Poussin spent most of his working life in Rome, where he arrived in 1624 and remained until his death in 1665, with only a brief return to France in the early 1640s.
In Rome, Poussin quickly integrated into the city's artistic circles, studying ancient sculptures and Renaissance masters. He gained recognition through commissions from prominent patrons, including Cardinal Francesco Barberini and the antiquarian Cassiano dal Pozzo. Poussin's work was characterized by a focus on classical themes, drawing inspiration from mythology, ancient history, and biblical narratives.
One of Poussin's notable works from his early period in Rome is "Mars and Venus," painted around 1630. This painting exemplifies Poussin's mastery of mythological subjects and his ability to imbue them with deeper allegorical meanings. The artwork depicts the triumph of love over war, a common theme in classical art and literature.
In the painting, Mars, the god of war, is shown seated alongside Venus, the goddess of love. This juxtaposition of the two deities represents the central theme of love's power over conflict. Mars appears disarmed and at ease, his warlike nature subdued by Venus's presence. Venus, in contrast, is portrayed in a position of gentle authority, symbolizing the soothing influence of love.
Adding to the narrative, Poussin includes Venus's attendant cupids in the scene. These playful figures are shown making toys of Mars's weapons and armor, further emphasizing the idea that love has conquered war. The cupids' actions serve to disarm Mars both literally and figuratively, transforming his instruments of violence into objects of amusement.
This painting showcases Poussin's skill in composition and his intellectual approach to art. By carefully arranging the figures and incorporating symbolic elements, he creates a scene that is both visually appealing and rich in meaning. The work reflects Poussin's broader artistic philosophy, which sought to elevate painting to an intellectual pursuit capable of conveying complex ideas and narratives.
"Mars and Venus" is representative of Poussin's early style in Rome, where he was experimenting with various artistic influences and developing his distinctive approach to classical subjects. This period was crucial in establishing Poussin's reputation as a leading painter of his time, blending French sensibilities with Italian Renaissance and classical influences.

Photographer: Michael de la Force (2024)

07/15/2024

AN INTERVIEW AT SCRIPPS

Scripps Institution of Oceanography, an Oceanography and Earth science research center was established in 1903. The parent company of the institution is the University of California at San Diego. Their academic staff numbers around 415 with an administrative staff of about 800.
The Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) was founded in 1903 as the Marine Biological Association of San Diego by William E. Ritter, a biologist, and Fred Baker, a physician. Their goal was to advance marine sciences on the California coast. The institution's early development was made possible through the financial support of newspaper magnate E.W. Scripps and his half-sister Ellen Browning Scripps.
In 1905, the association purchased a 170-acre site in La Jolla, north of San Diego, for $1,000 at a public auction. The first permanent building, now known as the Old Scripps Building, was constructed in 1910 with funding from E.W. and E.B. Scripps.
The institution underwent several name changes throughout its early years:
In 1912, it was incorporated into the University of California system and renamed the Scripps Institution for Biological Research.
In October 1925, it was renamed the Scripps Institution of Oceanography to reflect the growing faculty's expanded range of studies.
Scripps' first research vessel, the Alexander Agassiz, was acquired in 1907, marking one of the first oceanographic research vessels for an American non-governmental institution. The institution's iconic pier was completed in 1916, allowing for daily measurements that continue to this day.
Throughout its history, Scripps has been at the forefront of oceanographic research. It has broadened its focus to encompass various aspects of Earth science, including physics, chemistry, geology, biology, and climate studies.

(Photograph Michael de la Force interviews Professor Charles Cox at his office at Scripps Institution of Oceanography)

Charles "Chip" Shipley Cox served as an oceanographic physicist. He was particularly well known for his work on electromagnetic phenomenon, fine grained pressure and salinity measurements in the ocean depths and surface.

Early life and education
Cox was born to a Quaker family on the Hawaiian island Maui, he was the grandson of Catharine Elizabeth Bean Cox and a relative of Howard Brinton. Cox was raised on the island of Kauai in ʻEleʻele, where his father, Joel Cox, worked as a civil engineer in the McBride sugarcane plantation. He received a bachelor's degree in physics from the California Institute of Technology in 1944, where he learned quantum mechanics from Linus Pauling and worked as a draftsman for William Alfred Fowler at the Kellogg Radiation Lab at Caltech on rocket development for the Navy. Cox started as a graduate student in physics at Caltech, but he became disenchanted by the development and deployment of the atomic bomb and the future of nuclear physics. In 1947 he heard a talk by a researcher from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, an institution he had previously not known about. Following his love of the ocean he had developed growing up in Hawaii, Cox switched to study at Scripps. He received a PhD in oceanography from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in 1954, studying under renowned physicist and oceanographer, Walter Munk.

As a graduate student, he purchased a 110 ft Navy reconnaissance vessel, made surplus after World War II, and he worked as a commercial fisherman for albacore, operating this boat designed for a crew of five typically with just a single associate. His graduate adviser, Walter Munk described the experience of going to sea with him thus, "Skipper Cox would signal from the bridge to the engine room, then run down below to get engines going, then run on deck to release the mooring lines, etc. A few hours later, ship cook Cox would dish up a delicious luncheon."

Career
After graduating with his PhD, Cox pursued a brief postdoctoral fellowship in Japan, before returning to Scripps to join the research staff, obtaining a joint position of assistant professor at Scripps, then was promoted to associate professor in 1960 (and received a joint appointment to UCSD which was founded that year), and then full professor in 1966. He retired from actively teaching and advising students in September 1991 and became emeritus, but retained an office at Scripps and continued to do research, including ship based research expeditions to collect data. In his later years he was very interested in the history of science, especially where it interacted with his interests in oceanography. He continued to actively research and write, including a paper on the history of oil being used to calm dangerously breaking waves was published.

Research
Cox did early work on using light scattering to study properties of the sea surface with Walter Munk. Cox was a pioneer in the development of instrumentation of measure electro-magnetic activity on the seafloor. Developing unique measurement instruments, modeling techniques, and basic theory to both measure and understand the EM properties of the deep oceans. He then did similar work in fine scale measurements of salinity and pressure. Cox developed the differential pressure gauges used for accurately measuring pressure fluctuations on the seafloor, enabling a detailed understanding of seafloor acoustics.

07/14/2024

(VENICE, ITALY SCENE)

Canaletto, the renowned 18th-century Venetian painter, created several iconic views of the Bacino di San Marco in Venice. Here are some key points about Canaletto's depictions of this famous Venetian scene:
Subject matter: The Bacino di San Marco was a popular subject for Canaletto, showcasing the bustling harbor and grand architecture of Venice.

Timeframe: Canaletto painted various versions of this scene between the 1730s and 1740s, during the peak of his career.
Composition: These paintings typically feature a wide view of the Venetian harbor, including landmarks such as:
The Doge's Palace
St. Mark's Basilica
The Campanile
Various ships and boats in the harbor

Special events: Some versions of Canaletto paintings depict specific Venetian ceremonies, such as:
The "Wedding of the Sea" ceremony on Ascension Day
The return of the Bucintoro (the Doge's ceremonial ship)

Artistic approach: While Canaletto painted with great precision, he also took some artistic liberties:
Combining multiple viewpoints for a more comprehensive scene
Adjusting architectural details for compositional balance
Emphasizing the city's cosmopolitan nature by including foreign ships

Popularity: These paintings were highly sought after by wealthy foreign visitors, particularly British Grand Tourists, as souvenirs of their Venetian experiences.

Variations: Canaletto created multiple versions of the Bacino di San Marco from different vantage points, including views from San Giorgio Maggiore.

Historical value: These paintings not only showcase Canaletto's artistic skill but also provide valuable historical records of 18th-century Venice, its architecture, and its important ceremonies.
Canaletto's depictions of the Bacino di San Marco remain some of his most celebrated works, capturing the essence of Venice's grandeur and maritime importance during the 18th century.

(Photographer: Michael de la Force 2024)

06/22/2024

SUMMER SOLSTICE MOON ABOVE BOSTON SAIL LOFT, ATLANTIC AVENUE

Summer Solstice Moon on the Atlantic is a spectacular celestial display.

The summer solstice, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, is a time of celebration and significance in many cultures around the world. This astronomical event, which marks the official beginning of summer, is often accompanied by a celestial phenomenon that captivates observers: the summer solstice moon. When the full moon coincides with the summer solstice, it creates a breathtaking display of light and beauty, especially when viewed over the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean.

The summer solstice moon occurs when the full moon rises on or near the same day as the summer solstice, which typically falls on June 20th or 21st. This rare celestial alignment adds an extra layer of magic to an already special time of year, as the moon appears larger and more luminous against the backdrop of the summer sky.

For observers on the Atlantic coast, witnessing the summer solstice moon rise over the horizon is a truly awe-inspiring experience. The moon, bathed in a warm golden glow, slowly ascends into the night sky, casting a shimmering pathway of light across the water. As it climbs higher, the moon's reflection dances on the surface of the Atlantic, creating a mesmerizing play of light and shadow that seems to stretch endlessly into the distance.

The combination of the summer solstice moon and the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean creates a sense of wonder and connection to the natural world that is both humbling and uplifting. For centuries, people have marveled at the beauty and mystery of the moon, finding inspiration and solace in its timeless presence in the night sky.

In many cultures, the summer solstice moon holds special significance as a symbol of renewal, abundance, and the cyclical nature of life. It is a time to reflect on the changing seasons, to celebrate the beauty of the natural world, and to honor the interconnectedness of all living things.

As the summer solstice moon graces the Atlantic with its radiant presence, it serves as a reminder of the enduring power and majesty of the cosmos. It is a moment to pause, to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us, and to marvel at the wonders of the universe that unfold above and below.

The summer solstice moon on the Atlantic is a rare and magical event that invites us to pause and reflect on the beauty and wonder of the natural world. As we gaze upon the luminous orb rising over the horizon, we are reminded of our place in the grand tapestry of the cosmos and the eternal dance of light and shadow that shapes our world.
May the summer solstice moon on the Atlantic continue to inspire awe and wonder for generations to come, connecting us to the timeless rhythms of the universe and the boundless mysteries of the night sky.

Photographer: Michael de la Force, Summer Solstice 2024

06/22/2024

BOSTON HARBOR

Photographer: Michael de la Force, 6.22.24

06/22/2024

BOSTON'S DAILY CATCH

Founded in 1973, by Paul Freddura, who eventually working alongside his wife, and now seven sons, developed The Daily Catch restaurant into a great Boston success story.

The Freddura ancestors hailed from the island of Sicilia in a small village in the valley outside Syracusa, Italy.
Their grandparents immigrated to Boston's Little Italy in the early 20th century.

In 1973, Paul established ‘Calamari Café’ in the heart of the North End. In 1979, Paul met his wife, Maria, and the two traveled along the east coast marketing calamari products. Eventually they were blessed by a total of seven (7) sons.

Alongside their sons the Fredduras developed, from the original restaurant, ‘The Daily Catch’. Now they have multiple very popular locations. Their products are also sold in neighborhood markets and national chain stores throughout the USA.

Photographer: Michael de la Force, Like Magazine, 6.22.24

06/12/2024

Actor Robert Downey Jr,

Photographer: Michael de la Force, LIKE Magazine, The Paley Center for Media, Manhattan, 6.11.24

06/07/2024

EMILY AUSTIN, SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCER

Photographer: Michael de la Force, NYC, June 2024

Emily Austin is an American journalist, social media influencer, model, actress, and independent NBA broadcaster.

Early life
Austin was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Israeli parents, and grew up on Long Island, New York. She went to North Shore Hebrew Academy for high school, graduating in 2019, and then attended Hofstra University to study journalism. Austin's parents are secular Jews, but she decided to keep kosher at a young age. She has visited Israel since her youth and follows Jewish traditions such as keeping kosher, making Kiddush, lighting Shabbat candles, and not working on Shabbat.

Career
Sports journalism
In 2021, Austin started her sports journalism career by reaching out to professional athletes for interviews during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, while she was still a sophomore journalism student at Hofstra University. A former athlete, Austin began interviewing athletes on Instagram for her vlog show, Daily Vibes with Emily Austin. This led her to working at MTV on Music Lives On. She also worked for Sports Illustrated as a host at NFL and boxing events.

In 2023, Austin started an NBA podcast called The Hoop Chat w/ Emily Austin which has featured NBA players, such as Josh Giddey, Grant Williams, Mitchell Robinson, Immanuel Quickley, Jalen Brunson, and Chet Holmgren. In April 2024, Austin began working with DAZN on their boxing coverage.

Other work
Austin has worked as a model. She was a judge at Miss Universe 2022. She joined the Israeli mission to the UN where she handles English communications and public relations. Austin has written for publications such as Newsweek. She has appeared several times as a panelist on the Fox News program Gutfeld!

06/06/2024

PHOTOJOURNALIST CHEN G. SCHIMMEL

Photographer: Michael de la Force, June 2024

Michael de la Force™ images

09/04/2024

09/04/2024

07/20/2024

07/15/2024

07/15/2024

07/14/2024

06/22/2024

06/22/2024

06/22/2024

06/12/2024

06/07/2024

06/06/2024

Address

Website

Alerts

Contact The Practice

Shortcuts

Featured

Share