A mighty Poetic Expeditionary Nation of Semanticists!

The five members of The Mightier P.E.N.S. perform poetry in Balboa Park's Zoro Garden during this summer's 2016 Garden Theatre Festival.
The five members of The Mightier P.E.N.S. perform poetry in Balboa Park’s Zoro Garden during this summer’s 2016 Garden Theatre Festival.

Look what I stumbled upon this afternoon during my stroll through Balboa Park! The Mightier P.E.N.S. (Poetic Expeditionary Nation of Semanticists) was performing poetry in the Zoro Garden. Balboa Park’s butterfly-filled stone grotto is the venue for a variety of poetic and theatrical performances during the Garden Theatre Festival, Saturdays and Sundays through August 21st.

I listened as the five members of The Mightier P.E.N.S. filled the air with mightily expressed emotion, striking deep chords with their words. As butterflies flitted about the garden, like beguiling not-quite-touchable-truths in the shimmering air, their spoken words conveyed an entire range of deep feeling, including human desire, elation, frustration and despair.

This energetic group of performance poets can be heard around San Diego from time to time; they appeared at the most recent San Diego Fringe Festival. They’ll be performing twice more this summer in Balboa Park. Interested? Swing by the Zoro Garden on August 14th and 21nd at 2pm. Their poetry is mightier than the sharpest sword! For further information, you can call (619) 569-4922.

While I innocently sit back and listen, I'm suddenly accosted by unabashed truths spoken during an innovative poetry performance!
While I innocently sit back and listen, I’m suddenly accosted by unabashed truths spoken during an innovative poetry performance!
Visitors to Balboa Park pause near the top of Zoro Garden and listen to The Mighty P.E.N.S. conquer . . . for a fleeting moment.
Visitors to Balboa Park pause near the top of Zoro Garden and listen to The Mightier P.E.N.S. conquer the world . . . for a fleeting moment.
One of the dynamic poets expresses innermost thoughts, desires and anguish with strong words and images pieced brilliantly together.
One of the dynamic poets expresses innermost thoughts, desires and anguish with strong words and images pieced brilliantly together.
A small crowd gathered where I was seated. As each poet completed a segment of the performance, applause erupted.
A small crowd gathered where I was seated. As each poet completed a segment of the performance, applause erupted.
The Mighty P.E.N.S. appear to be mighty friends. No words required.
The Mightier P.E.N.S. appear to be mighty friends. No words required.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Do you love Balboa Park? Follow my special blog which I call Beautiful Balboa Park!

To read some philosophical short stories that I’ve written, please click Short Stories by Richard.

San Diego history in Old Town’s McCoy House.

The McCoy House Museum, in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, is a reconstruction of a home built in 1869 for Sheriff James McCoy.
The McCoy House Museum, in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, is a reconstruction of a home built in 1869 for Sheriff James McCoy.

While there are many small museums and historical attractions that visitors can enjoy in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, the McCoy House Museum is the best place to see an extensive series of interpretive displays that describe the complete history of early San Diego.

The McCoy House, standing on the north end of Old Town, is a reconstruction of a home built in 1869 for Sheriff James McCoy and his family. James McCoy, who lived from 1821 to 1895, like many early San Diego residents was an ambitious man, working diverse jobs, filling many roles. At the age of 21 he sailed from Ireland to America seeking opportunity. He became a soldier, then a stagehand, then San Diego county assessor, then county sheriff in 1861. He acquired substantial real estate holdings and finally won election to the state senate in 1871.

The interpretive displays in the McCoy House Museum provide a good look back at San Diego’s formative years. They detail the life of the Native American Kumeyaay who’ve lived in the region for thousands of years, the first Spanish explorers, the establishment of the Spanish mission, the Mexican period and the subsequent American period.

If you’d like to read the displays, click my photographs to enlarge them.

This blog post covers the first floor of the museum. I’ll cover the second floor exhibits in a later post. After heading up some stairs, one can find information about the more prominent residents of Old Town, plus the town’s later history as it competed with New Town, which eventually rose to become downtown San Diego as we know it today.

Anyone who is a history buff must visit the McCoy House Museum. You’ll be transported back in time and see how life was exciting, difficult, and altogether different many, many years ago in San Diego.

Sign lists important dates concerning the McCoy House. Today it's a museum containing exhibits that depict the fascinating history of Old Town San Diego.
Sign lists important dates concerning the McCoy House. Today it’s a museum containing exhibits that explain the fascinating history of Old Town San Diego.
Just inside the front door, this might have resembled the parlor of the original McCoy House, occupied by an upper middle class family in San Diego's Old Town.
Just inside the front door, this might have resembled the parlor of the original McCoy House, occupied by an upper middle class family in San Diego’s Old Town.
Framed photo on one wall from the San Diego Historical Society shows the original McCoy House.
Framed photo on one wall from the San Diego Historical Society shows the original McCoy House.
Interpretive exhibits inside the McCoy House Museum begin with the Spanish period of San Diego, from 1769 to 1821.
Interpretive exhibits inside the McCoy House Museum begin with the Spanish period of San Diego, from 1769 to 1821.
Quotes from the journeys of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, Sebastian Vizcaino and Gaspar de Portola.
Quotes from the journeys of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, Sebastian Vizcaino and Gaspar de Portola.
A string of missions was created by Spain in California to secure its claim to new territory. The first mission, in San Diego, was on Presidio Hill near the native Kumeyaay village of Cosoy.
A string of missions was created by Spain in California to secure its claim to new territory. The first mission, in San Diego, was originally established on Presidio Hill near the native Kumeyaay village of Cosoy.
An artistic representation of life among the Kumeyaay people. They often visited the nearby coast to hunt and gather food.
An artistic representation of life among the Kumeyaay people. They often visited the nearby coast to hunt and gather food.
For thousands of years, the Kumeyaay lived along the coast and interior valleys of what is now San Diego County. They moved with the seasons to take advantage of available resources.
For thousands of years, the Kumeyaay lived along the coast and interior valleys of what is now San Diego County. They moved with the seasons to take advantage of available resources.
The Kumeyaay built dome-shaped houses from oak, willow or sycamore branches. The simple structures were called ee-wahs.
The Kumeyaay built dome-shaped houses from oak, willow or sycamore branches. The simple structures were called ee-wahs.
The Kumeyaay saw the physical and spiritual world as one and the same.
The Kumeyaay saw the physical and spiritual world as one and the same.
Exhibit in the McCoy House Museum shows artifacts associated with the Kumeyaay, including a bark skirt, arrows, rabbit stick, child's sandals, gourd rattle and war club.
Exhibit in the McCoy House Museum shows artifacts associated with the Kumeyaay, including a bark skirt, arrows, rabbit stick, child’s sandals, gourd rattle and war club.
The Kumeyaay revolted against the Spanish missionaries in 1775, a year after the San Diego mission was relocated inland very close to a large Kumeyaay village.
The Kumeyaay revolted against the Spanish missionaries in 1775, a year after the San Diego mission was relocated inland very close to a large Kumeyaay village.
Once baptized, converted Kumeyaay followed a strict life. Mission bells signaled the day's activities, including the singing of hymns, Mass, meals and work assignments.
Once baptized, converted Kumeyaay followed a strict life. Mission bells signaled the day’s activities, including the singing of hymns, Mass, meals and work assignments.
Mexico gained its independence from Spain in 1821 after a decade of bloodshed. Changes included a decline in support for the presidio and freedom from Spain's trade regulations.
Mexico gained its independence from Spain in 1821 after a decade of bloodshed. Changes included a decline in support for the presidio and freedom from Spain’s trade regulations.
After the breakup of the Spanish missions, the era of the great ranchos began. Californios were often racially mixed descendants of soldier-settler families.
After the breakup of the Spanish missions, the era of the great ranchos began. Californios were often racially mixed descendants of soldier-settler families.
Vaqueros were the original cowboys. They worked on the extensive ranches and handled the large herds of stock.
Vaqueros were the original cowboys. They worked on the extensive ranches and handled the large herds of stock.
A fanciful picture of life on a rancho, with vaqueros at work and children at play.
A fanciful picture of life on a rancho, with vaqueros at work and children at play.
The Californios loved to celebrate feast days, weddings and religious festivals.
The Californios loved to celebrate feast days, weddings and religious festivals.
Cattle by the thousands roamed San Diego's hills. Their dried hides were used in trade and were sometimes referred to as California banknotes.
Cattle by the thousands roamed San Diego’s hills. Their dried hides were used in trade and were sometimes referred to as California banknotes.
Illustration of loading cow hides onto a carreta. Hides were gathered by ships along the coast to be transported around Cape Horn to the eastern United States.
Illustration of loading cow hides onto a carreta. Hides were gathered by ships along the coast to be transported around Cape Horn to the eastern United States.
Exhibit inside the McCoy House Museum recreates the small shop of a Boston trader. The brig Pilgrim of Two Years Before the Mast brought people aboard to buy wares and finished goods that weren't available in San Diego.
Exhibit inside the McCoy House Museum recreates the small shop of a Boston trader. The brig Pilgrim of Two Years Before the Mast brought people aboard to buy wares and finished goods that weren’t available in San Diego.
Illustrations of cow hides being cured. This activity took place at La Playa, a point on San Diego Bay near Ballast Point in Point Loma.
Illustrations of cow hides being cured. This activity took place at La Playa, a point on San Diego Bay near Ballast Point in Point Loma.
Diagram of the brig Pilgrim, made famous in Richard Henry Dana Jr.'s classic Two Years Before the Mast. Dana collected cattle hides up and down the California coast.
Diagram of the brig Pilgrim, made famous in Richard Henry Dana Jr.’s classic Two Years Before the Mast. As an ordinary seaman, Dana collected cattle hides up and down the California coast.
Exhibit in the McCoy House Museum details local history during the Mexican–American War from 1846 to 1848.
Exhibit in the McCoy House Museum details local history during the Mexican–American War from 1846 to 1848.
During the war, U.S. occupation of San Diego divided the loyalty of the Californios. The two sides fought briefly at the Battle of San Pasqual.
During the war, U.S. occupation of San Diego divided the loyalty of the Californios. The two sides fought briefly at the Battle of San Pasqual.
Around the time of the Gold Rush, San Diego saw an influx of emigrants from all over, including New England, the American South, Mexico, South America, Ireland, Great Britain and Germany.
Around the time of the Gold Rush, San Diego saw an influx of emigrants from all over, including New England, the American South, Mexico, South America, Ireland, Great Britain and Germany.
Old Town tales include the construction of the first jail in 1850. The walls were so poorly made, the first prisoner, Roy Bean, easily dug himself out, then celebrated at a nearby saloon!
Old Town tales include the construction of the first jail in 1850. The walls were so poorly made, the first prisoner, Roy Bean, easily dug himself out, then celebrated at a nearby saloon!
Grog shops became popular gathering places. They were a social hub of San Diego life, providing customers with news and provisions.
Grog shops became popular gathering places. They were a social hub of San Diego life, providing customers with news and provisions.
A recreated Old Town grog shop can be found inside the McCoy House Museum.
A recreated Old Town grog shop can be found inside the McCoy House Museum.
After the California Gold Rush of 1849, San Diego became more developed. A courthouse and newspaper were established. Transportation included clipper ships, stage lines and steamships.
After the California Gold Rush of 1849, San Diego became more developed. A courthouse and newspaper were established. Transportation included clipper ships, stage lines and steamships.
Poster advertises a new clipper ship route. A very quick trip may be relied upon!
Poster advertises a new clipper ship route. A very quick trip may be relied upon!
Between 1865 and 1872, Old Town San Diego continued to grow. The first public school opened, and the town welcomed its first theatrical company in the Whaley house.
Between 1865 and 1872, Old Town San Diego continued to grow. The first public school opened, and the town welcomed its first theatrical company in the Whaley house.
The first overland coach to San Diego began service in 1854. Additional stage lines came into existence, allowing for the delivery of mail, express packages and passengers.
The first overland coach to San Diego began service in 1854. Additional stage lines came into existence, allowing for the delivery of mail, express packages and passengers.
Visitors to the McCoy House Museum can step into a replica stage stop and see what life was like in Old Town during San Diego's early history.
Visitors to the McCoy House Museum can step into a replica stage stop and see what life was like in Old Town during San Diego’s rugged early history.

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Signs in San Diego contain quotes from modern artists.

Unusual signs near America Plaza contain quotes from famous modern artists. This thought-provoking art was installed by the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, located across the street.
Unusual signs near America Plaza contain quotes from famous modern artists. This thought-provoking art was installed by the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, which is located across the street.

Look what I discovered this evening! I had disembarked from the trolley at the Santa Fe Depot and was making my way to America Plaza when my eyes were ensnared by a very cool sight.

At first glance I thought it was a cluster of directional signs that point every which way to cities around the world. Then I realized these signs were far more interesting!

On one side each sign contains a thought-provoking quote from a modern artist. The cities shown on the reverse side are those associated with the artists.

The modern artists quoted are: Pablo Picasso, Jeff Wall, Jackson Pollock, John Baldessari, Jose Clemente Orozco, Edward Ruscha, Joseph Beuys, Richard Diebenkorn, Henri-Robert-Marcel Duchamp and Eleanor Antin.

I walked back across Kettner Boulevard to the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego and learned that these unusual signs were installed by the museum about two weeks ago!

People walk down the sidewalk along Kettner Boulevard. A few glance up at what appears to be a cluster of strangely colorful directional street signs.
People walk down the sidewalk along Kettner Boulevard. A few glance up at what appears to be a cluster of strangely colorful directional street signs.
Quotes from ten notable modern artists are featured on the MCASD signs. The reverse side of each directional sign contains a city associated with the artist.
Quotes from ten notable modern artists are featured on the MCASD signs. The reverse side of each directional sign contains a city associated with the artist.
Provocative public art rises from a downtown sidewalk, across the street from the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego.
Provocative public art rises from a downtown sidewalk, across the street from the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Photos of House of Peru’s celebration in Balboa Park.

Beauty queens and dancers in colorful dresses watch the House of Peru lawn program in Balboa Park.
Beauty queens and dancers in colorful dresses watch the House of Peru lawn program in San Diego’s Balboa Park.

I took some photos this afternoon in Balboa Park of the House of Peru’s lawn program. In these photographs you’ll see genuine joy. I felt it.

Like many other nations, Peru is a member of the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages, located near the heart of beautiful Balboa Park. The special event today coincided with Peru’s Fiestas Patrias, a holiday that celebrates Peru gaining independence from the Spanish Empire.

I hung around for a bit, absorbing all the life.  I then meandered on through the green, sun-filled park. I did a lot of sitting on shady benches. I did my best to conjure up a new short story idea for my fiction blog Short Stories by Richard. I also took a peek at the Orchid Show in the Casa del Prado. I’ll blog about that in a day or two on one of my other photo blogs, Beautiful Balboa Park.

The House of Pacific Relations' lawn program today among the International Cottages featured the House of Peru. Peru is celebrating its Fiestas Patrias.
The House of Pacific Relations’ lawn program today among the International Cottages featured the House of Peru. Peru is celebrating its Fiestas Patrias.
Many Peruvian products were on display and for sale in tents around the grassy lawn.
Many Peruvian products were on display and for sale in tents around the grassy lawn.
I was told the sweaters, mittens and other woven goods were made in Peru.
I was told the sweaters, mittens and other woven goods were made in Peru.
There was a lot of favorite Peruvian food, including marcianos (fruit pops) and Chicha morada (a sweet Peruvian beverage made from purple corn).
There was a lot of favorite Peruvian food, including marcianos (fruit pops) and chicha morada (a sweet Peruvian beverage made from purple corn).
A huge crowd assembled for Peru's celebration of its independence from the Spanish Empire. The lawn program would include speeches, music and dancing.
A huge crowd assembled for the celebration of Peru’s independence from the Spanish Empire. The lawn program would include speeches, music and dancing.
Color guard from Coronado High School's JROTC program. Photo taken minutes before the event opened with national anthems from both the United States and Peru.
Color guard from Coronado High School’s JROTC program. Photo taken minutes before the event opened with national anthems from both the United States and Peru.
Hearty greetings were offered to everyone attending. Many in the audience had roots in Peru. A mural backdrop depicts Machu Picchu.
Hearty greetings were offered to everyone attending. Many in the audience had roots in Peru. The mural backdrop depicts Machu Picchu.
After a few speeches, the lawn program featured stirring Peruvian music.
After a few speeches, the lawn program featured stirring Peruvian music.
The music was so lively and happy, some people from the audience were soon dancing on the stage!
The music was so lively and happy, some people from the audience were soon dancing on the stage!
I plainly see that in Peru there's a deep love of life!
I plainly see that in Peru there’s a deep love of life!
Costumed dancers, young and old, practice off-stage during the festive House of Peru lawn program in Balboa Park.
Costumed dancers, young and old, practice off-stage during the festive House of Peru lawn program in Balboa Park.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Tiny surfing dogs ride big waves at Imperial Beach!

Tiny dogs surf mighty waves in Imperial Beach during the 11th Annual Unleashed by Petco Surf Dog Competition!
Tiny dogs surf mighty waves in Imperial Beach during the 11th Annual Unleashed by Petco Surf Dog Competition!

And now for something on the light side. Surfing dogs!

Enjoy these funny photos of tiny dogs riding “huge” ocean waves near the pier at Imperial Beach! This morning I swung by the 11th Annual Unleashed by Petco Surf Dog Competition, just to check out the action. The first 10-minute heat featured smaller breeds. These dogs are some of the most talented surfing athletes you’re likely to ever see! Well . . . maybe. But they definitely appeared to be having fun!

All you non-dog athletes, take note! No aspiration is too lofty! No wave is too large!

A crowd gathers on the beach in the morning, as the very popular Surf Dog Competition is almost ready to begin!
A crowd gathers on the beach in the morning, as the very popular Surf Dog Competition is almost ready to begin!
A pooch says Hi while hanging out with a few buddies. It's going to be another great day in San Diego!
A pooch says “Hi” while hanging out with a few buddies. It’s going to be another great day in San Diego!
This thoughtful dog is checking out the perimeter of the surf competition starting area, which is fenced off from interfering human types.
This thoughtful dog is checking out the perimeter of the surf competition starting area, which is fenced off from those often interfering human types.
We're almost ready for the first heat! These small dogs pose atop their surfboards for photos and make the most of their superstar status.
We’re almost ready for the first heat! These small dogs pose atop their surfboards for photos and make the most of their superstar status.
A line of people awaits the start of the Unleashed by Petco Surf Dog Competition's first 10-minute heat of the day!
A line of people awaits the start of the Unleashed by Petco Surf Dog Competition’s first 10-minute heat of the day!
And these small surf dogs are off, making toward the Pacific Ocean with the help of a few human assistants!
And these small surf dogs are off, making toward the Pacific Ocean with the help of a few human assistants!
The excitement has built to a doggone unbelievable level. Which four-legged contestant will catch the best waves and impress the judges?
The excitement has built to a doggone unbelievable level. Which four-legged contestant will catch the best waves and impress the judges?
The crowd watches these talented canine athletes as they take to the thundering waves!
The crowd watches these talented canine athletes as they take to the thundering waves!
Those are awfully big breakers! Only the most talented and fearless dogs will master this tough competition.
Those are awfully big breakers! Only the most skillful and fearless dogs will master this tough surfing competition.
An amazing dog athlete has successfully caught the first wave! Here he comes! Great form!
An amazing dog athlete has successfully caught the first wave! Here he comes! Great form!
A tiny canine contestant receives encouragement as the annual surf dog competition gets underway.
A tiny canine contestant receives encouragement as this year’s surf dog competition in IB gets underway.
This innovative dog--I believe his name is Samson--doesn't adhere to those old surfing traditions. He rides backwards.
This innovative dog–I believe his name is Samson–doesn’t adhere to those old surfing traditions. He rides his surfboard backwards.
Oh my goodness! Three dogs on one wave! Remember this moment, because you'll probably never see it again!
Oh my goodness! Three dogs on one wave! Remember this moment, because you’ll probably never see it again!
Two furry athletes vie for surfing supremacy.
Two furry athletes vie for surfing supremacy!
I'm thinking of submitting this amazing photograph to SURFER Magazine. I wonder if it might make the cover. (Just kidding!)
I’m thinking of submitting this amazing photograph to SURFER Magazine. I wonder if it might make the cover. (Just kidding!)
Samson seems to have finally straightened himself out. Maybe he just wants to leap back onto dry land.
Samson seems to have finally straightened himself out. Maybe he just wants to leap back onto dry land.
These best buddy pals are happy just to walk along the beach. No need to show off surfing skills.
These best buddy pals are happy just to walk along the beach. No need to show off their mad surfing skills.
And these two sneaky dogs want to pretend they're honest-to-goodness surfers. Can't fool me!
And these two sneaky dogs want to pretend they’re honest-to-goodness surfers. Can’t fool me!
Tiny surfing dogs have mastered the mighty waves at Imperial Beach during the Unleashed by Petco Surf Dog Competition. They are superstars, indeed!
Tiny surfing dogs have mastered the mighty waves at Imperial Beach during the Unleashed by Petco Surf Dog Competition. They are superstars, indeed!

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To enjoy future posts, you can also “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook or follow me on Twitter.

Donate to help the San Diego Police Department.

Wreath in front of San Diego Police Headquarters' Wall of Honor, remnant of a recent memorial ceremony. The wall is inscribed with the names of all police officers killed in the line of duty since 1913.
San Diego Police Headquarters’ Wall of Honor. The wall is inscribed with the names of police officers killed in the line of duty since 1913.

Almost everyone in San Diego, and many across the country, know the heartbreaking news. Two San Diego gang-unit officers were shot in the Southcrest neighborhood late last night. One, Jonathan DeGuzman, has passed away. The second, Wade Irwin, remains in serious condition.

As an ordinary citizen, would you like to help the San Diego Police Department? It’s an extremely difficult job they do, and a noble one. Their task is to protect our communities. They risk their own lives every single day to save others, to protect and assist law-abiding citizens, and to keep the peace. Unfortunately, in some important areas our local police department is underfunded.

Please visit the San Diego Police Foundation website to learn how you can directly help, and consider giving a donation. Thank you.

Early American quilts: amazing color and patterns!

Carpenter's Wheel quilt, Mennonite, about 1890. Made by Mrs. Miller in Easton, Pennsylvania.
Carpenter’s Wheel quilt, Mennonite, about 1890. Made by Mrs. Miller in Easton, Pennsylvania.

My eyes opened wide with amazement last weekend, when my docent friend provided another special tour at the San Diego Museum of Art. This time we had a good look at a surprising exhibition of early American quilts from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

These quilts, which date mostly from the 19th century, created in many instances by lone Amish and Mennonite quiltmakers, are so dazzling with brilliant colors and inventive, abstract designs that they seem thoroughly modern, like hung works of art by the greatest 20th century Abstract Expressionists.

I know relatively little about quiltmaking.  All I know is that when I gazed at these vibrant works of art, I felt that I was peering into the inner life of a spiritual people, where joy, memories and dreams are represented with magically combined bits of color. These delights for the eye were created to be a warming family treasure, meant to last for generations.

In this blog post you can see just a few photos of the nearly 50 quilts on display. The craftmanship is intricate. I can’t imagine the many hours of persistent dedication, patience and love a quiltmaker required to create just one of these examples. They lived in a very different time and place. In their world living was more simple, and beauty was quietly formed from single threads.

All of these old quilts were discovered over several decades by collectors Gerald Roy and Paul Pilgrim, who also played an important role in the creation of the The National Quilt Museum in Paducah, Kentucky. Many of these quilts were collected solely for their aesthetic appeal. Paul Pilgrim, now deceased, was also an innovative quiltmaker.

Head to Balboa Park to visit the San Diego Museum of Art and you’ll be astounded by many of these quilts. If you do plan to visit, do so by September 5, 2016, when this very unique exhibition comes to an end.

Quilts and Color from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. This special exhibition can be enjoyed at the San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park.
Quilts and Color from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. This special exhibition can be enjoyed at the San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park.
Amazing early American quilts on display at the San Diego Museum of Art feature beautifully contrasted colors and abstract designs.
Amazing early American quilts on display at the San Diego Museum of Art feature beautifully contrasted colors and fascinating abstract designs.
Spider Web quilt dazzles the eye. Many of the quilts feature unique visual effects or optical illusions.
Spider Web quilt dazzles the eye. Many of the quilts feature unique visual effects or optical illusions.
Fans quilt, Amish, 1900-1910. Made in Pennsylvania.
Fans quilt, Amish, 1900-1910. Made in Pennsylvania.
Field of Diamonds quilt, about 1860. The design is achieved by creatively combining hexagons.
Field of Diamonds quilt, about 1860. The design is achieved by creatively combining differently colored hexagons.
Close-up photograph of fantastic Sunburst quilt.
Close-up photograph of fantastic, radiant Sunburst quilt.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

To read a few thoughtful stories I’ve written, click Short Stories by Richard.

Cool busts of FX characters outside Comic-Con.

Lifelike bust of Baskets the Clown, from the FX comedy series Baskets.
Lifelike bust of Baskets the Clown, from the FX comedy series Baskets.

Outside 2016 San Diego Comic-Con, in the park directly in front of the Bayfront Hilton, the FX television channel has created a uniquely interesting FXhibition! The exhibition includes six cool busts of characters that have appeared on various FX shows. A couple of the sculptured heads are eerily lifelike. Take a look!

Quinlan, a vampire/human hybrid from the FX series The Strain.
Quinlan, a vampire/human hybrid from the FX series The Strain.
Frank Reynolds as The Troll, from the episode The Nightman Cometh in It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
Frank Reynolds as The Troll, from the episode The Nightman Cometh in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
The White Nun, from American Horror Story: Asylum.
The White Nun, from American Horror Story: Asylum.
Pam Poovey, from Archer, an animated spy comedy series on FX.
Pam Poovey, from Archer, an animated spy comedy series on FX.
Gorbachaka the Troll, from the FX sitcom Man Seeking Woman.
Gorbachaka the Troll, from the FX sitcom Man Seeking Woman.

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Comic-Con is almost over for 2016, and this will probably be my final blog post concerning it. I hope you enjoyed the ride! Now it’s on to other cool stuff around San Diego. Next up . . . another super special tour at the San Diego Museum of Art! So please stay tuned!

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

More photos of super creative cosplay at Comic-Con!

It's a cosplay of Lego Venom in the middle of the 2016 San Diego Comic-Con crowd!
It’s a cosplay of Lego Venom in the middle of the 2016 San Diego Comic-Con crowd!

Here’s another large collection of cosplay photographs! I took these Saturday outside 2016 San Diego Comic-Con!

Seeing so many super creative costumes is one reason I love walking around during Comic-Con. It’s an opportunity for individuals to find unabashed joy in their own personal creativity. It’s all about fantasy and imagination come to life. People young and old can choose to be whatever they choose to be. It’s all good. And it’s all fun!

This cool cosplay of a Cylon from the original Battlestar Galactica even had a moving red light in its helmet and sound effects!
This cosplay of a Cylon from the original Battlestar Galactica had a moving red light in its helmet and cool Cylon sound effects!
A great cosplay of Marvel's famous superhero couple, Ant-Man and the Wasp.
A great cosplay of Marvel’s famous superhero couple, Ant-Man and the Wasp.
A truly great Addams Family cosplay on the street outside Comic-Con!
A truly great Addams Family cosplay on the street outside Comic-Con!
I was told these ladies are characters from Alice in Wonderland. It appears to me one is the Queen of Hearts and the other Alice.
I was told these ladies are characters from Alice in Wonderland. It appears to me one is the Queen of Hearts and the other is Alice.
This cuddly killer is Unipool. He's even got his own hashtag!
This cuddly killer is Unipool. He’s even got his own hashtag!
I recognize Green Arrow, but the other cosplay I didn't hear properly when I asked. Does someone out there know? Leave a comment if you do.
I recognize Green Arrow, but the other cosplay I didn’t hear properly when I asked. Does someone out there know? Leave a comment if you do.
I learned the cosplay on the right is Megaman, but I didn't catch the identity of the fellow on the left. Help!
I learned the cosplay on the right is Mega Man, but I didn’t catch the identity of the fellow on the left. Help!
Cosplay of Raven of the Teen Titans.
Cosplay of Raven of the Teen Titans.
Cool cosplay of a Jawa from Star Wars.
A very cool cosplay of a Jawa from Star Wars.
This creative guy combined Joker and Donald Trump!
This funny guy combined Joker and Donald Trump!
A zombie walks through the Gaslamp with a big pink ribbon. Even the undead can fight for life!
A zombie walks through the Gaslamp with a big pink ribbon. Even the undead can fight for life!
It took a moment, but then I realized these guys looked familiar. That's Crow T. Robot from Mystery Science Theater on the right, and Tom Servo on the left!
It took a moment, but then I realized these little guys were familiar. That’s Crow T. Robot from Mystery Science Theater on the right, and Tom Servo on the left!
Menacing cosplay of Cobra Commander.
Menacing cosplay of Cobra Commander.
It's Pac-Man and a small Blinky!
It’s Pac-Man and a small Blinky!
A super creative cosplay of a steampunk Batman.
A super creative cosplay of a steampunk Batman.
I hope the zombies rampaging through the Gaslamp Saturday night were careful. Because these guys wanna kill zombies.
I hope the zombies rampaging through the Gaslamp Saturday night were careful. Because these guys wanna kill zombies.
This cosplayer seemed a bit surprised that I recognized he was the Mouth of Sauron. I guess I've read and watched Lord of the Rings too many times.
This cosplayer seemed a bit surprised that I recognized he was the Mouth of Sauron. I guess I’ve read and watched Lord of the Rings too many times.
I learned these guys are cosplaying characters from the video game Fallout.
I learned these guys are cosplaying characters from the video game Fallout.
A fun, creative cosplay of characters from the Nightmare Before Christmas.
A fun, creative cosplay of characters from The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Here comes Spidey!
Here comes Spidey!
These nice ladies were cosplaying Toriel and Frisk from Undertale.
These nice ladies were cosplaying Toriel and Frisk from Undertale.
I think I heard this is a Pokemon cosplay. I might be wrong.
I think I heard this is a Pokemon cosplay. I might be wrong.
These Medieval period enthusiasts hail from the Barony of Calafia. They are members of the Society for Creative Anachronism.
These Medieval period enthusiasts hail from the Barony of Calafia. They are members of the Society for Creative Anachronism.
Incredible cosplay of Ornstein the Dragon Slayer, from Dark Souls.
Incredible cosplay of Ornstein the Dragon Slayer, from Dark Souls.
Another super good cosplay. It's Cable of the X-Men.
Another super good cosplay. It’s Cable of the X-Men.
Some really great costumes--all characters from Game of Thrones.
Some really great costumes–all characters from Game of Thrones.
Hey, Cap! What's up?
Hey, Cap! What’s up?
I was told this cosplay is Tyson Rios, of Army of Two.
I was told this cosplay is Tyson Rios, of Army of Two.
Super good cosplay of Marvel's Lady Sif, Asgardian warrior. Looks like the Jack Kirby version.
Super creative cosplay of Marvel’s Lady Sif, Asgardian warrior. Looks like the Jack Kirby version.
This cosplay, I believe, is Victarion Greyjoy, from Game of Thrones.
This cosplay, I believe, is Victarion Greyjoy, from Game of Thrones.
The Suicide Squad movie is coming up. This is the original Harley Quinn with an absurdly huge hammer. A little more humor in this version, perhaps.
The Suicide Squad movie is coming up. This is the original Harley Quinn with an absurdly huge hammer. A little more humor in this version, perhaps.
Cosplay of long-time movie hero Zorro!
Cosplay of long-time movie hero Zorro!
Cosplay from the original Tron. He thought the first movie was best.
Cosplay from the original Tron. He thought the first movie was best.
I was informed this is just a fun fuzzy creature with long ears!
I was informed this is just a purple fuzzy creature with long ears!  Even so, it looks somehow familiar.
Cosplay of Liliana Vess, from Magic: The Gathering.
Cosplay of Liliana Vess, from Magic: The Gathering.
This Poison Ivy cosplayer must've mistaken me for Batman, because she's blowing a kiss my way!
This Poison Ivy cosplayer must’ve mistaken me for Batman, because she’s blowing a lethal kiss my way!
Now a cosplay Catwoman is about to strike me with her whip! Ouch!
Now a cosplay Catwoman is about to strike me with her whip! Ouch!
These musicians in wild Mexican outfits were simply having fun entertaining 2016 San Diego Comic-Con fans in the Gaslamp.
These musicians in wild Mexican outfits were simply having fun entertaining 2016 San Diego Comic-Con fans in the Gaslamp.
Here comes a cool cosplay of Cyclops. Don't activate your visor! I'm a good guy!
Here comes a cool cosplay of Cyclops. Don’t activate your visor! I’m a good guy!

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Zombies gather in park, prepare to attack city.

Saturday evening, an army of zombies was spotted gathering in San Diego's Children's Park, getting ready to attack innocent humans attending 2016 Comic-Con.
Saturday evening, an army of zombies was spotted gathering in San Diego’s Children’s Park, getting ready to attack thousands of innocent humans attending 2016 Comic-Con.

I made it out alive. As you’ll see–just barely.

The 2016 San Diego Comic-Con zombie walk featured a huge army of bloodthirsty undead. They gathered in Children’s Park this evening and prepared to attack innocent humans hanging around San Diego’s nearby Gaslamp Quarter. I got away before the carnage began.

I was quickly reminded that I was living meat, so I kept a very careful distance. And I prayed these were slow zombies.
I was quickly reminded that I was living meat, so I kept a very careful distance. And I prayed these were slow zombies.
The undead kept gravitating toward the city park. Where they came from, I don't know. But they were on a mission. They planned to swarm into the nearby Gaslamp Quarter, where it was dinnertime and they could feast on innocent diners.
The undead kept gravitating toward the city park. Where they came from, I don’t know. They were on a mission. They planned to swarm into the nearby Gaslamp Quarter, where it was dinnertime and they could feast on innocent diners.
Many of these walking dead appeared to be in a rather state of poor health. Why did they keep eyeing me?
Many of these walking dead appeared to be in a rather poor state of health. Why did they keep eyeing me?
Goodness! Even a magical woodland fairy succumbed to the zombie plaque. I'm not sure why I'm hanging around.
Goodness! Even a magical woodland fairy succumbed to the zombie plague. I’m not sure why I’m hanging around.
Oh, horrors! Trump and Hillary have both become zombies! I guess we're all doomed no matter what.
Oh, horrors! Trump and Hillary have both become zombies! I guess we’re all doomed no matter what.
I've seen this gruesome dude before. I think I have a photo of him on my blog from another zombie walk. I guess the undead never die.
I’ve seen this gruesome dude before. I think I have a photo of him on my blog from another San Diego zombie walk. I guess the undead really never die.
This guy could use a moist towelette and very large bandage.
This guy could use a moist towelette and very large bandage.
How sweet. Mom zombie and son zombie are going to join the coming rampage. Family time together is heartwarming and wonderful.
How sweet. Mom zombie and son zombie are going to join the coming rampage. Family time together is so heartwarming and wonderful.
Unless, of course, Mom takes a bite of her unsuspecting son. I guess she couldn't wait to devour normal human flesh.
Unless, of course, Mom zombie takes a bite of her undead son. I guess she couldn’t wait to seek out normal human flesh.
This must be the hippest, best dressed zombie I ever saw. A hostess might be tricked and let him into one of those more fancy restaurants in the Gaslamp.
This must be the hippest, best dressed zombie I ever saw. A hostess might be tricked and let him into one of those more fancy restaurants in the Gaslamp.
When you're a zombie, and you want to video the coming carnage, what do you do? You jam a GoPro directly into your skull. Just keep the lens clean.
When you’re a zombie, and you want to video the coming carnage, what do you do? You jam a GoPro directly into your bloody skull. Just keep the lens clean.
I don't think plastic surgery will fix that.
I don’t think plastic surgery will fix that.
The zombies listened (to the best of their ability) as the plan of attack was laid before them. The city's living residents seemed doomed. I thought it wise at this point to discretely walk away.
The zombies listened (to the best of their ability) as the plan of attack was laid before them. The city’s living residents seemed completely doomed. I thought it wise at this point to discretely walk away.
Oh, no! Too late!
Oh, no! Too late!

…

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of fun photos for you to enjoy!