‘My life expectancy is short': America's most vulnerable
Mark Laita's Soft White Underbelly project was born from his 2009 photo series Created Equal. It reveals raw glimpses of humanity's most vulnerable communities, encouraging a conversation around the individuals and realities that often go unseen. These new portraits, shot against stark and simple backdrops, highlight the individuality and humanity of his subjects. You can watch a video interview with Crazy here. Soft White Underbelly is at Fahey Klein gallery, Los Angeles, until 1 March 2025
The Soft White Underbelly project has garnered international attention through its accompanying video interviews, which have amassed more than 1bn views. You can watch an interview with Caroline here
By emphasising the lived experiences of his sitters, Laita's photographs eschew judgment and focus instead on storytelling. Each image in the series captures a sense of unguarded honesty and reflects the vulnerability and complexity of life on the edges of society. You can watch an interview with Rebecca here
Asher: 'I've lived on Skid Row, slept on the floor, and it was a really tough life, you know, not only dealing with drug dealers and prostitutes and the police, but I could never rest. In Skid Row, it's so much negative energy: police sirens, helicopters, shootings, dogs attacking people, car crashes. Even when you're sleeping, you're not sleeping because you're being bombarded by all this noise and negativity and it just affects you so much that after seven years I was completely done.' You can watch an interview with Asher here
Izzy: 'I've just been so, so fucking sad … like, to the point where I just didn't want to feel it any more. I had different suicide attempts. But it's important for people to know that it's not like that for ever. I'm just glad that I made it out when I did and realised that I can be happy and I deserve to be happy.' You can watch an interview with Izzy here
Max: 'I can't say that I ever want to be, like, better off financially because I never have been and I don't really see a need to. Will I be living this lifestyle for ever? Probably, my life expectancy is really short' You can watch a video with Max and Sid here
Johnny: 'I told him, dad, I'm here today to tell you that I'm sorry for being a bad son. I'm sorry that I wasn't there for you. That I didn't live up to your standards. And then my father started crying and said: 'No, I'm sorry. I'm sorry that I was a bad father. I'm sorry I didn't give you a good childhood and I'm sorry I couldn't control my drinking and that you had to suffer because of it.' Twenty years of pain, anger and frustration. It was crushed. We hugged it out and now we have a great relationship.' You can watch an interview with Johnny here
Ruby: 'We raised five acres of farro beans, peddled them through the mining camps, and then we'd take a load of groceries back to White Oak to the store from the breaks along down there all the way to White Oak. We would sell everybody groceries, stopped at their house till we got home and we barely had anything from the store when we got there.' You can watch an interview with Ruby here
Rene: 'They're tryin' to low ball you and I'm not ever low balling myself. They be asking to see me for, like, $60 and I'm like, 'What the hell do I look like?' I know I'm out here doing what I'm doing, but it's, like, damn! I look like I'm worth $60?' You can watch an interview with Rene here
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Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Richard Hammond's daughter Izzy calls him a t**t in Father's Day post as she shares adorable throwback clip
This comes after he split with his wife Mindy after an "amazing 28 years together" Daddy Banter Richard Hammond's daughter Izzy calls him a t**t in Father's Day post as she shares adorable throwback clip Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) RICHARD Hammond's daughter Izzy calls him a t**t in Father's Day post as she shares adorable throwback clip. Richard's daughter Izzy had fans in stitches after cheekily branding him a 'not an idiot" in a hilarious Father's Day tribute - while also melting hearts with a sweet childhood video of the pair. 5 Izzy paid tribute to her dad this Father's day on Instagram Credit: Getty 5 She also shared a video from her childhood Credit: Instagram / izzyhammondx The Top Gear legend didn't seem to mind, as Izzy's post quickly racked up the likes for its mix of sass and sentiment. Taking to Instagram, Izzy wrote: "Recently, people have decided that I think you're an idiot. I do not. I think you're a twat x "Happy Father's Day. Hope you don't mind me giving the whole car thing a go. Love ya. "(Swipe to see me and Rich chatting rubbish on telly 20 years ago. Not much has changed)". The 24-year-old then shared a sweet moment with her dad captured on video. Izzy is a young child watching her dad draw and colour and they are calling each other "funny". Fans rushed to the comment section as they gushed over the pair. One said: "How lovely. Your dad doing some great artwork with his little girl." Another added: "I hope that one day, my daughter holds me in such high regard." A third penned: "My favourite father daughter duo." Richard Hammond and James May make 'traumatising' return to Top Gear a decade after quitting BBC series Richard has two daughters Izzy, 24, and Willow, 22, with his ex-wife Amanda "Mindy". They announced their split back in January, after an "amazing 28 years together". The Sun understands that newspaper columnist Mindy, 59, demanded the divorce after a source claimed she "wanted him gone". The news was shared by Richard, 55, on an X account which read: "A little update from us; this Christmas we were together as a family and this year we will still be a family but just structured a bit differently. Richard Hammond's career through the decades By Summer Raemason Richard was born in Birmingham in 1970 and studied photography, as well as television production. He kickstarted his career in broadcasting at BBC Radio York. This saw him land another role at BBC Radio Cumbria, Leeds and Lancashire, before he left in 1995 to follow his passion for cars. He always dreamt of presenting motoring TV shows but initially took a job working in PR after leaving the BBC. He was involved in corporate events for clients including the Ferrari Owners' Club and Renault Sport. In 1998 he earned his debut motoring TV job on, hosting Motorweek on Satellite channel Men & Motors. This opened up many more avenues on screen and eventually he found his way to presenting Top Gear in 2002. The household show garnered up to six million viewers at its peak. While filming with Top Gear Richard crashed in a jet-powered traveling at over 300 mph. The dad-of-two is one of the only people to have ever survived such a horror smash. Hammond has also hosted science and nature programmes including Should I Worry About? on BBC One. Other TV projects for the BBC included being the face of Battle of the Geeks, Time Commanders and featuring as a team captain on Petrol Heads. He also presented ITV's eponymous Richard Hammond's Five O'Clock Show and Sky One's Brainiac. "Our marriage is coming to end, but we've had an amazing 28 years together and two incredible daughters. "We will always be in each other's lives and are proud of the family we created. "We won't be commenting further and sincerely hope that our privacy and that of our children will be respected at this time. With Love, Richard and Mindy." It is believed Mindy is asking to keep their £7million Bollitree Castle estate, in Herefordshire, as they draw up divorce settlements. The source told The Sun: 'Richard is very upset about all this. It seems he has tried hard to rekindle the relationship but to no avail. 'There is no speculation that any third party is involved.' The couple met in 1995 and Richard wrote previously in his autobiography, On The Edge: My Story: "In an instant, I fell in love with her and realised I had met my soul-mate and best friend for life." After they tied the knot in 2002, the pair snapped up a grade II listed Bollitree Castle in 2008. It boasts six bedrooms, a swimming pool and 20 acres of land. Despite Richard's on screen presence, the pair have largely kept their relationship, and two daughters, out of the limelight. It's estimated their father, a former Top Gear legend alongside Jeremy Clarkson and James May, has a net worth of around £70million. 5 Mindy demanded the divorce after a source claimed she "wanted him gone" Credit: Getty 5 The pair have largely kept their relationship, and two daughters, out of the limelight Credit: Getty
Daily Mirror
20-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Izzy Judd's exact midi dress on Lorraine is a piece you'll re-wear all summer
Izzy Judd's pale blue broderie midi dress is a guaranteed summer staple that you can wear everywhere from the office to weddings to brunch and it's already selling quickly Following her appearance on ITV's Lorraine to chat about parenting, Izzy Judd – wife of McFly drummer Harry Judd – let fans in on exactly where you could shop her gorgeous baby blue midi dress. Izzy wore the Nobody's Child Blue Broderie Anglaise Sophia Midi Dress for her time on Loraine's sofa, with the midi dress immediately becoming a must-have for shoppers. Ever since Izzy's appearance the dress has been 'selling quick' according to Nobody's Child's website, with one sold just minutes ago at the time of writing. Despite this there's currently only sizes 4, 6 and 18 sold out, with all other sizes still in stock, but shoppers might want to move quickly if they want to snap it up. Although Izzy opted for the pale blue version of the dress, you can also pick it up in black, which has more sizes still in stock and is priced the same at £85. However the periwinkle shade that Izzy chose is perfect for summer, and the style of the dress means you'll be able to wear it on repeat all season no matter the occasion. Wear it with heels and a clutch for a breezy summer wedding guest dress, or team with ballet flats for the office. You could also just as easily wear it with some sandals and a raffia tote on holiday, or throw on with trainers and a denim jacket to run errands. The shirred bodice helps create a flattering fitted look whilst still being stretchy and comfortable to wear, and the midi skirt's broderie details give it a breezy summer look. The square neckline and puff sleeves create a flattering neckline whilst helping cover your upper arms if you prefer not to show them. If you want a little more volume, Abercrombie & Fitch's The A&F Emerson Poplin Puff Sleeve Midi Dress is currently half price, slashed from £90 to £44.99, and has bigger puff sleeves and a tiered midi skirt that gives extra movement and drama. Vero Moda's Puff Sleeve Milkmaid Style Midi Dress In Blue is a more affordable alternative to Izzy's dress at £42, with a similar shirred bodice and midi length skirt, but features longer sleeves and lacks the broderie details. If you want to really lean into the broderie anglaise look, Scamp & Dude's Light Blue Broderie Anglaise Puff Sleeve Midi Dress is a great pick. It's available in sizes 6 to 22 and is currently on sale down from £140 to £98. It features top to bottom broderie, with a button up front, puff sleeves and a tiered midi skirt. However if Izzy's Nobody's Child Blue Broderie Anglaise Sophia Midi Dress is calling your name, it's a great choice for summer. Made from 100% organic cotton it'll keep you comfortable and cool, and the stretchy flattering design is going to become your go-to during the heatwave.
Wales Online
20-05-2025
- Wales Online
Inspirational blind singer will be star of the show at anniversary concert
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A blind teenage singer will be one of the stars of the show at the 10th anniversary concert of a music cooperative that transformed her life. Inspirational Isabelle Harrison, 19, from Llandegla, will be centre stage at the North Wales Music Cooperative's gala event at St Asaph Cathedral on Thursday, June 12. The concert will be hosted by popular tenor Rhys Meirion who will also be singing on the night. It will be a celebration of the impact the music cooperative has had on its former and current students over the last decade. Among those taking part will be various ensembles, a pop band and a sign language choir. The group is an award-winning, not-for-profit organisation providing quality music tuition with two sister cooperatives in Denbighshire and Wrexham. It was formed in 2015 by Head of Service Heather Powell after she and other music tutors in Denbighshire were made redundant due to budget cuts. The cooperative expanded into Wrexham in 2018 and now works with more than 100 primary schools and 18 high schools in the two counties while providing work for more than 70 freelance music tutors. The concert, starting at 7pm, is being sponsored by the arts-loving care organisation, Pendine Park, via the Pendine Arts and Community Trust which supports arts and community activities. Isabele, known as Izzy, is now a student at the Royal National College for the Blind in Hereford, the UK's leading specialist residential college of further education for people with a visual impairment. She said the music cooperative had a hugely positive effect on her while she was a student at Ysgol Brynhyfryd, Ruthin. Thanks to the work of the cooperative, she says music will always be part of her life – and she was delighted to be invited to perform at the special concert. Izzy said: 'It seems a bit surreal to be asked, it's a bit like 'wow!' It feels really good to know that I will be one of the stars of the concert and it feels good to feel my ability is being recognised. Singing gives me such a good feeling, music has always been so important to me. 'I very first got involved with the music cooperative during a week called Music Mania. It was a week of activities one summer based around music and they had a concert at the end, and we learned a dance, we learned songs, we did a little play, it was really fun. 'Then later the Denbighshire Music Cooperative funded me for singing lessons which were really good for me because before that I had only ever been in the school choir. It was nice to get one-to-one tuition and improve aspects of my voice." Izzy has been at the Royal National College for the Blind (RNC) since September and did A-levels at New College Worcester, another specialist college for youngsters who are blind or vision impaired. 'At New College I did a BTEC in music performance and had singing lessons and was in a musical theatre club. I am paying for singing lessons at RNC and I am in the choir there, so music is very much still a part of my life.' Determined Izzy is not allowing her lack of sight to hold her back from her ambition of being a counsellor. She said: 'I applied to come to RNC to get more qualifications and also to be in a more adult environment and to be more independent before I go to university. 'This year I am studying health and social care and then next year I will be doing massage and complementary therapies. I actually want to be a counsellor, a child therapist.' Izzy's mum Rachael Lynch commended the work of the music cooperative – and thanked its leaders for inviting her daughter to perform at the concert. She said: 'I'm absolutely made up that Isabelle has been invited to perform a song at such a special occasion. The music cooperative as a whole organisation are absolutely fantastic, the staff are amazing. Everybody who works within the team are just such wonderful people and Isabelle has benefited a lot from the organisation.' According to Heather Powell, Izzy is 'truly inspirational'. She said: 'Through the opportunities the music service gave Izzy, the wider world of music was opened up to her. 'Music has made such a difference to her life, it has given her the confidence to go on and study and live away from her mum independently, which as a pupil with zero vision is a huge challenge. 'So when we looked at having a gala concert and talked about ex-pupils coming back, Izzy was one for me which was a stand-out because she meant a lot to the service and the service meant a lot to her. 'Izzy doesn't see herself as having a disability, Izzy is just Izzy. She is a fantastic singer and she is certainly a great advocate for our service. 'She flies the flag of what we are all about which is every child having the opportunity to learn and enjoy music irrespective of any disability or additional need." Heather said the gala concert was shaping up to be a memorable celebration. She said: 'We've got all of our current ensembles and pupils performing. We've got our annual awards which this year are sponsored by Mario and Gill Kreft from Pendine Park care organisation.' Pendine Park is supporting the event through its Pendine Arts and Community Trust. Mario said: 'The gala concert is set to be a magnificent celebration of the work the music cooperative does and also a fantastic celebration of the power of music. 'Music and the arts really do change lives and it's vital they are supported and also celebrated, and the gala concert will do just that. It is set to be a wonderful evening and is an opportunity to recognise the great work the music cooperative has carried out over the last decade.' Tickets can be bought via Eventbrite. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox Find out what's happening near you
