Doctor Strange appears! San Diego Comic-Con is near!

Doctor Strange street lamp banners have appeared along the Embarcadero more than a month before the start of 2016 San Diego Comic-Con.
Doctor Strange street lamp banners have appeared along the Embarcadero more than a month before the start of 2016 San Diego Comic-Con.

A sign that 2016 San Diego Comic-Con is near has appeared along the Embarcadero. Many street lamps are hung with cool Doctor Strange banners! Marvel’s Sorcerer Supreme and his upcoming movie will definitely be a big source of excitement at this year’s Comic-Con. A little more than a month to go!

Want to see lots more Comic-Con stuff? Then stay tuned to this blog, Cool San Diego Sights! As some of you may know, I live in downtown San Diego and have compiled quite a few Comic-Con photos over the past couple years. This year I should be able to take a ton more! Every single day during the incredible event, I’m going to walk everywhere (and I mean everywhere) outside the San Diego Convention Center and all around the Gaslamp and downtown San Diego to see what I can see. I’m going to snap literally thousands of photos and share the best ones with you! There’s a chance I might go inside, too! I sure hope so!

Meanwhile, if you’re hungry for photos from the past couple years, check out these fun pics from old blog posts! (And if you want to share any of this stuff on social media, that’s cool with me!)

These links feature past Comic-Con photos:

Insane Comic-Con: crowds, hype, fun and firemen!

More super awesome Comic-Con cosplay photos!

Super cool awesome cosplay at San Diego Comic-Con!

Cool cosplay and fun outside San Diego Comic-Con.

More cool photos from Comic-Con Preview Night!

Some cool photos from Comic-Con Preview Night.

Photos of San Diego Comic-Con preparation: 2 days to go!

Photos of San Diego library’s Art of Comic-Con exhibit!

Comic-Con morning near the convention center.

Cosplay and Comic-Con craziness in the Gaslamp!

Pics of 2014 San Diego Comic-Con Preview Night!

And here’s one more link for all you cosplay fans!

I spotted this guy in Balboa Park earlier this year. Check out his super elaborate suit of fantasy golden armor!

Cool knight in golden armor stands guard in San Diego!

Hopefully the gray skies aren't an omen of impending mystical evil. Marvel's Sorcerer Supreme should make a big appearance at San Diego Comic-Con in July!
If the gray sky is an omen of impending mystical evil . . . fear not! Marvel’s Sorcerer Supreme will make a big appearance at San Diego Comic-Con in July!

This year’s Comic-Con will be bigger and probably crazier than ever! Follow along for all the fun!

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Even though I have many posts concerning Comic-Con, my blog concerns a whole variety of stuff about San Diego!  You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Sea-themed mosaics at Fletcher Cove and Overlook Park.

Beautiful ceramic mosaic artwork at Fletcher Cove Park in Solana Beach. The orange Garibaldi. By artist Betsy Schulz.
Beautiful ceramic mosaic artwork at Fletcher Cove Park in Solana Beach. The orange Garibaldi. By artist Betsy Schulz.

During my walk last weekend I headed from the Solana Beach Coaster station west a couple of blocks to Fletcher Cove Park. It was my intention to walk north along the ocean, then back east to Pacific Coast Highway. What I discovered as I neared the beach was incredibly cool.

The ceramic sea-themed mosaics you see in my photos were created by artist Betsy Schulz. I’ve documented another installation of her public art near the Santa Fe Depot. To see that, click here.

From the bluff at Overlook Park there’s a good view of Fletcher Cove and the blue Pacific Ocean. There are also four tables with more cool tile artwork by Betsy Schulz. The beautiful mosaics below in Fletcher Cove Park are found along the walkway that leads down to the beach.

Picnic tables along a path leading up through Overlook Park in Solana Beach feature more beautiful, sea-themed tile mosaics.
Picnic tables along a path leading up through Overlook Park in Solana Beach feature more beautiful, sea-themed tile mosaics.
A spiny lobster embedded in a picnic table at Overlook Park.
A spiny lobster embedded in a picnic table at Overlook Park.
Two beautiful fish are part of some sea-themed art in Solana Beach, created by artist Betsy Schulz.
Two beautiful fish are part of some sea-themed art in Solana Beach, created by artist Betsy Schulz.
A crab is featured in this colorful mosaic of ceramic tiles.
A crab is featured in this colorful mosaic of small ceramic tiles.
Sculpture of a seagull near entrance to Fletcher Cove Park.
Sculpture of a seagull near entrance to Fletcher Cove Park. According to one article I read, the sculpture was created in the 1940s, and the artist doesn’t seem to be known.
Fletcher Cove Park, dedicated this day, June 16, 2007.
Fletcher Cove Park, dedicated this day, June 16, 2007.
An octopus on a low wall embraces citizens and businesses in Solana Beach who are part of this coastal community.
An octopus on a low wall embraces citizens and businesses in Solana Beach who are part of this coastal community.
Wonderful tile artwork includes shells, stones and a school of small silvery fish.
Wonderful tile artwork includes shells, stones and a school of small silvery fish.
Barred Surfperch.
Barred Surfperch.
More ceramic fish along the public walkway that heads down through Fletcher Cove Park to the small beach.
More ceramic fish along the public walkway that heads down through Fletcher Cove Park to the small beach.
Red Octopus.
Red Octopus.
A work of art depicting a few of nature's wonders and human creativity.
A work of art depicting a few of nature’s wonders and human creativity.
This oval seat is right next to the beach. We know a mermaid who lives here in the sea...
This oval seat is right next to the beach. We know a mermaid who lives here in the sea…
And here is the mermaid. The stunning mosaic artwork has been worn by sand and time.
And here is the mermaid. The stunning mosaic artwork has been worn by sand, wind and time.
In a tide pool one might discover a Brittle Star.
In a tide pool one might discover a Brittle Star.
Upon the rocky ocean bottom, one might find Green Abalone.
Upon the rocky ocean bottom, one might find Green Abalone.
Brown Tube Snail and California Spiny Lobster.
Brown Tube Snail and California Spiny Lobster.
Shore birds one might see nearby include the Whimbrel and Marbled Godwit.
Shore birds one might see nearby include the Whimbrel and Marbled Godwit.
Thousands of shells, waves rush to our shore, Search high and low tides, you're bound to find more.
Thousands of shells, waves rush to our shore, Search high and low tides, you’re bound to find more.
White Amiantis.
White Amiantis.
Many small sea creatures appear in amazing tile artwork in Solana Beach's Fletcher Cove Park.
Many small sea creatures appear in amazing tile artwork in Solana Beach’s Fletcher Cove Park.
This lifelike Cabezon seems to be looking directly at you!
This lifelike Cabezon seems to be looking directly at you!

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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!

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!

Holographic painting–a revolutionary art movement!

Unique holographic artwork painted on glass as seen through a Gaslamp window. Reflections of life on the street are also visible.
Unique holographic artwork painted on glass as seen through a downtown San Diego window. Reflections of life on the street are also visible in this photo.

Look what I discovered! These super cool, revolutionary paintings are on display in downtown San Diego. You’ll find them arranged behind the windows of the now closed Gaslamp 15 movie theater, just beneath the old marquee.

When I read the signs near these vibrant paintings, my curiosity was piqued. An inventive gentleman named Liguori has used proprietary holographic paints to create two-dimensional images that seem three-dimensional. The visual appearance changes depending upon the angle from which the artwork is observed!

According to the written description, this method of painting is so unique that it constitutes a completely new art form! My photos through the glass windows don’t really demonstrate the appearance of three dimensions. But my photos do include interesting reflections from the city street! Melded with the colorful art are buildings, people, a bus, cars, and just regular ordinary stuff a person walking down the sidewalk might observe. In a sense, this adds another unusual dimension! Please read the two signs that I photographed. Especially if you are keenly interested in physics and philosophy, and unbounded human creativity.

Do you have questions? Would you like to learn more? Perhaps you’d like to purchase one of these completely revolutionary pieces, which belong to an art movement yet to be named! That’s what the sign says! And all proceeds go to charity! To contact Liguori, use the email that is at the bottom of the signs.

Very cool!

Very cool works of art are on display in downtown San Diego. You can see them in the windows of the now vacant Gaslamp 15 movie theater, beneath the old marquee.
Very cool works of art are on display in downtown San Diego. You can see them in the windows of the now vacant Gaslamp 15 movie theater, beneath the old marquee.
Liguori is a successful businessman in his seventies. He took up painting late in life. He developed a totally new art medium. All the proceeds of his work will go to various charities.
Liguori is a successful businessman in his seventies. He took up painting late in life. He developed a totally new art medium. All the proceeds of his work will go to various charities!
More examples of Liguori's dazzling, thought-provoking pieces. Apparently the application of his special holographic paint on glass is an entirely new, revolutionary art form.
More examples of Liguori’s dazzling, thought-provoking pieces. Apparently the application of his special holographic paint on glass is an entirely new, revolutionary art form.
Bold color stimulates the human mind and imagination. Like the universe (or perhaps multiverse), what is seen depends on the observer's momentary point of view.
Bold color stimulates the human mind and imagination. Like the universe (or perhaps multiverse), what is seen depends on the observer’s momentary point of view.
Liguori's work provides a physical manifestation of objective reality. When viewing this holographic art, countless three dimensional images are possible. It depends on the angle of observation.
Liguori’s work provides a physical manifestation of objective reality. When viewing this holographic art, countless three dimensional images are possible. It depends upon the angle of observation.
Abstract art melds with cars, buildings, and bits of everyday experience in one wonderful window.
Abstract art melds with cars, buildings, and bits of everyday experience in one wonderful window.
More fantastic artwork. I was unable to take photographs without reflections in the windows. But it makes these images that more interesting!
More fantastic artwork. I was unable to take photographs without reflections in the windows. But it makes these images that more interesting!
A dim somebody strides through a splash of vibrant color.
A dim somebody strides through a splash of vibrant color.
The cosmos is incomprehensibly enormous and complex. Different wavelengths, angles, points in space and time...different states of mind and a blink of the eye. Objective reality is observed only in tiny slices.
The cosmos is incomprehensibly enormous and complex. Different wavelengths, angles, points in space and time…different states of mind and a blink of the eye. Objective reality is observed only in tiny slices.

UPDATE!

I’ve decided to walk past these holographic paintings again, and attempt to take some better photos without the street reflections. I’ll post them shortly…

Okay, I somehow got two close-up photos through the windows that are pretty amazing. Here they are…

01 Close-up photo of amazing holographic painting by Liguori.
01 Close-up photo of holographic painting by Liguori.
02 Close-up photo of amazing holographic painting by Liguori.
02 Close-up photo of holographic painting by Liguori.

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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 like to read short pieces of thought-provoking fiction? You might enjoy checking out Short Stories by Richard.

Alice pops out of rabbit hole at San Diego County Fair!

Just inside the O'Brien Gate at the 2016 San Diego County Fair. This year's theme is Alice in Wonderland.
Just inside the O’Brien Gate at the 2016 San Diego County Fair. This year’s theme is Alice in Wonderland.

I have photographic proof that Alice has popped back out of the rabbit hole. In fact, she has emerged from Wonderland only to find herself smack dab in the middle of the San Diego County Fair!

Yes, the slogan this year is “Mad About the Fair.” And should you head up to Del Mar and purchase a ticket, you’ll find yourself among thousands of San Diegans enjoying scenes and characters from the classic children’s book Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by the immortal author Lewis Carroll.

The San Diego County Fair is a wonderful place to enjoy a lazy summer’s day no matter what the theme. You can eat deep fried Twinkies, take a ride in the Fun Zone, toss a ring at a bottle, and see all sorts of cool performances, craft exhibits and livestock. But this year it might be better than ever. Alice in Wonderland is just too much fun.

Walking down the good old midway. Once known as the Del Mar Fair, the county fair is a wildly popular summer attraction in Southern California.
Walking down the good old midway. Once known as the Del Mar Fair, the county fair is a wildly popular summer attraction in Southern California.
There's a White Rabbit walking along! Don't follow him! You don't know where he might lead!
There’s a White Rabbit walking along! Don’t follow him! You don’t know where he might lead!
Alice falls down the rabbit hole. One of many outstanding works of art by high school students displayed at the San Diego County Fair.
Alice falls down the rabbit hole. One of many outstanding works of art by high school students displayed at the San Diego County Fair.
A high school pencil drawing of an imaginative Wonderland.
A high school pencil drawing of an imaginative Wonderland.
A first place winner at the San Diego County Fair. This student created a very nice visual composition.
A first place winner at the San Diego County Fair. This student created a very nice visual composition.
More great art. Alice tries to make her way through endless weirdness and absurdity.
More fantastic art. Alice tries to make her way through endless weirdness and absurdity.
One of many fun displays outside at the Paul Ecke Jr. Garden Show. I see the grinning Cheshire Cat and all sorts of other Alice and Wonderland stuff.
One of many fun displays outside at the Paul Ecke Jr. Garden Show. I see the grinning Cheshire Cat and all sorts of other Alice in Wonderland stuff.
Some steampunk contraptions at the outdoor garden show. I see a cool steampunk washing machine and a weird metal Mad Hatter taking a shower.
Some steampunk contraptions at the outdoor garden show. I see a cool steampunk washing machine and a weird metal Mad Hatter taking a shower.
Another fun entry at the garden show. These gardens seem to contain many teacups and mushrooms.
Another fun entry at the garden show. These gardens seem to contain many teacups and mushrooms.
Flowers, butterflies and trees shaped like hearts, diamonds, spades and clubs.
Flowers, butterflies and trees shaped like hearts, diamonds, spades and clubs.
The Queen of Hearts wants people to have their photo taken here. Or it's off with their heads, I suppose.
The Queen of Hearts wants people to have their photo taken here. Or it’s off with their heads, I suppose.
It's Tweedledum and Tweedledee. They're from the sequel to Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, the equally classic Through the Looking-Glass.
It’s Tweedledum and Tweedledee. They’re from the sequel to Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, the equally classic Through the Looking-Glass.
Some more fun Alice in Wonderland pottery characters created by The Madd Potter.
Some more fun Alice in Wonderland pottery characters created by The Madd Potter.
A long colorful mural above some fair vendors depicts beloved characters created by Lewis Carroll. Their appearance has evolved due to popular culture and now incorporate steampunk elements like goggles.
A long colorful mural above some fair vendors depicts beloved characters created by Lewis Carroll. Their appearance has evolved due to popular culture and now incorporate steampunk elements like goggles.
Alice plays flamingo croquet in a fantasy world full of rampant irrationality and nonsense.
Alice plays flamingo croquet in a fantasy world full of rampant irrationality and nonsense.
Even the Cheshire Cat has gone steampunk!
Even the Cheshire Cat has gone steampunk!
Get ready to enter the Mad About the Fair exhibit. It's dark inside, so many photos didn't turn out so good.
Get ready to enter the Mad About the Fair exhibit. It’s dark inside, so many photos didn’t turn out so good.
I've spotted Alice! She's passing a huge hat possibly worn by The Hatter.
I’ve spotted Alice! She’s passing a huge hat possibly worn by The Hatter. He must have one huge head.
One display highlights differently illustrated Alice's Adventures in Wonderland books over the years. Some are imaginative adaptions or interpretations.
One display highlights differently illustrated Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland books over the years. Some are imaginative adaptations or interpretations.
A super long table in the exhibit was set for an epic tea party!
A super long table in the exhibit was set for an epic tea party!
A whole variety of displays paid homage to the Steampunk genre. Here are some Victorian ladies in cool steampunk top hats.
A whole variety of displays paid homage to the Steampunk genre. Here are some Victorian ladies in cool steampunk top hats.
A very cool steampunk mechanical man made of brass gears, with a glass globe for its head.
A very cool steampunk mechanical man made of brass gears, with a glass globe for its head.
Clocks seem to be a common Wonderland motif. All sorts of fun old clocks were displayed on this wall. I didn't see the White Rabbit's pocket watch.
Clocks seem to be a common Wonderland motif. All sorts of fun old clocks were displayed on this wall. I didn’t see the White Rabbit’s pocket watch.
The cool artwork of singing legend Grace Slick was on display! You might remember the Jefferson Airplane smash hit White Rabbit.
The cool artwork of singing legend Grace Slick was on display! You might remember the Jefferson Airplane smash hit White Rabbit.
The White Rabbit represents curiosity--always in a hurry and just out of reach. He is a moving mystery.
The White Rabbit represents curiosity–always in a hurry and just out of reach. He is a moving mystery.
Alice awaits at the 2016 San Diego County Fair. Follow her back down into the rabbit hole, if you dare!
Alice awaits at the 2016 San Diego County Fair. Follow her back down into the rabbit hole, if you dare!

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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 like to read short pieces of very imaginative, thought-provoking fiction? You might enjoy checking out Short Stories by Richard.

Amazing photos: Fantastic, incredible wood art!

Amazing wood art. A hooded figure takes a break at an inn. Just Off The Road, Basswood, Randy Stoner.
Amazing wood art. A hooded figure takes a break at an inn. Just Off The Road, Basswood, Randy Stoner.

Today I moseyed around Del Mar and Solana Beach. My walk included a couple of stimulating hours at the San Diego County Fair. I just wandered about, soaking it all in, and found my feet heading toward my favorite part of the fair, the Design in Wood Exhibition.

Some of the best wood artists in Southern California–the world, for that matter–submitted their incredible pieces this year to be judged. The exhibition, a collaboration with the San Diego Fine Woodworkers Association, is celebrating its 35th year.

Here is some of the wildly creative woodwork that really caught my eye. You’ll notice many pieces have an Alice in Wonderland theme. That’s because this year’s San Diego County Fair is all about that timeless children’s book penned by Lewis Carroll. White Rabbits, March Hares and Mad Hatters abound! Everywhere you turn there’s a tea party or a grinning Cheshire Cat!

The Alice in Wonderland theme intersects with Steampunk, of course, so many fantastic contraptions and quirky bits of wood art are included in the exhibition. Take a look!

Glass table supported by fantastic underwater character carved from wood. Califa's Realm, Avocado, Lorenzo Foncerrada.
Glass table supported by fantastic underwater character carved from wood. Califa’s Realm, Avocado, Lorenzo Foncerrada.
A steampunk writer might enjoy creating new worlds while sitting here! Time Machine Desk, Recycled Pine and Plywood, Jeffrey Comulada.
A steampunk writer might enjoy creating new worlds while sitting here! Time Machine Desk, Recycled Pine and Plywood, Jeffrey Comulada.
Yikes! Get out of the way! This eye-catching contraption is just too cool. Scorpion Wheelchair, Pine, Roger Aceve.
Yikes! Get out of the way! This eye-catching contraption is just too cool. Scorpion Wheelchair, Pine, Roger Aceve.
A truly amazing fantasy woodcarving. Julia the Dragon Killer, Bass, Antonio Barrios.
A truly amazing fantasy woodcarving. Julia the Dragon Killer, Bass, Antonio Barrios.
Ancient warrior and an incredibly elaborate helmet made of wood. Dracon Soldier, Bass, Antonio Barrios.
Ancient warrior and an incredibly elaborate helmet made of wood. Dracon Soldier, Bass, Antonio Barrios.
More outstanding artistry. Heron in a scene from a San Diego lagoon. Spirit of San Elijo, Torrey Pine, Lorenzo Foncerrada.
More outstanding artistry. Heron in a scene from a San Diego lagoon. Spirit of San Elijo, Torrey Pine, Lorenzo Foncerrada.
Wood grains flow in this crazy organic bench. Ongoing Conversation, Baltic Birch, Alan Johnson.
Wood grains flow in this crazy organic bench. Ongoing Conversation, Baltic Birch, Alan Johnson.
A very cool tangle-tentacled wooden octopus. Denizen of the Deep, Maple, Tom Edwards.
A very cool tangle-tentacled wooden octopus. Denizen of the Deep, Maple, Tom Edwards.
Perhaps this is a wood version of Strider from Lord of the Rings. Ranger, Basswood, Randy Stoner.
Perhaps this is a wood version of Strider from Lord of the Rings. Ranger, Basswood, Randy Stoner.
A mountain lion carved from wood keeps guard among other spectacular works of art. Kitty Kitty, Mahogany, Bill Churchill.
A mountain lion carved from wood keeps guard among other spectacular works of art. Kitty Kitty, Mahogany, Bill Churchill.
This skeleton pirate with a brass steampunk telescope is beyond awesome. Mutiny, Bloodwood Fir, Mike Anderson.
This skeleton pirate with a brass steampunk telescope is beyond awesome. Mutiny, Bloodwood Fir, Mike Anderson.
Two very cool handmade guitars with an Alice in Wonderland theme. I see clocks, the White Rabbit, a mad tea party, even a mustache!
Two very cool handmade guitars with an Alice in Wonderland theme. I see clocks, the White Rabbit, a mad tea party, even a mustache!
I love this example of imaginative wood design. Jack Rabbit, Alder, Ray Camien.
I love this example of imaginative wood design. Jack Rabbit, Alder, Ray Camien.
Members of the San Diego Scrollsaw Clubs demonstrate their craft to people visiting the Design in Wood Exhibition at the San Diego County Fair.
Members of the San Diego Scrollsaw Clubs demonstrate their craft to people visiting the Design in Wood Exhibition at the San Diego County Fair.
A wonderfully inventive piece of furniture. Birdcage Chair, White Oak, Patrick Atangan.
A wonderfully inventive piece of furniture. Birdcage Chair, White Oak, Patrick Atangan.
Looks like an animal skull in the desert Southwest. Early, Early American Chair, Poplar, Del Cover.
Looks like an animal skull in the desert Southwest. Early, Early American Chair, Poplar, Del Cover.
This might be the most intricate model tall ship I ever saw. Sovereign of the Seas, Boxwood, Mahogany, Ebony, Sycamore, William Norris.
This might be the most intricate model tall ship I ever saw. Sovereign of the Seas, Boxwood, Mahogany, Ebony, Sycamore, William Norris.
When a person becomes old, there's no need to become dull. Two Canes, Various, Tracy Talbott.
When a person becomes old, there’s no need to become dull. Two Canes, Various, Tracy Talbott.
A fun chest of drawers perfect for a kid's room. Buddy Bear, Walnut, Ralph Crowther.
A fun chest of drawers perfect for a kid’s room. Buddy Bear, Walnut, Ralph Crowther.
I wonder if Lewis Carroll imagined there would be steampunk powerboats one day. Looking For Alice, Various, Michael Rumsey.
I wonder if Lewis Carroll imagined there would be steampunk powerboats one day. Looking For Alice, Various, Michael Rumsey.
I love the cosmic layered wood sky with Saturn behind buildings. Night Surfing, Hardwood Plywood, Robert Stafford.
I love the cosmic layered wood sky with Saturn behind buildings. Night Surfing, Hardwood Plywood, Robert Stafford.
Gears aplenty. Steampunk Cat, Various, Stephen Knight.
Gears aplenty. Steampunk Cat, Various, Stephen Knight.
Now this work of wood art totally blew my mind. Absolutely beautiful. Stormy, Various, Chuck Collins.
Now this work of wood art totally blew my mind. Absolutely beautiful. Stormy, Various, Chuck Collins.
Yeah, some days this pensive chimp could easily outwit me. Thinking, Various, Daryoush Ababaf.
Yeah, some days this pensive chimp could easily outwit me. Thinking, Various, Daryoush Ababaf.

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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!

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!

A short story about light, life and reflection.

Peer into the rippling water. You'll be astonished at what you see.
Peer into the rippling water. You’ll be astonished at what you see.

Do you often think about life?

If you’d like to read a short story that I published on my Short Stories By Richard blog about time and memory, light and reflection–in other words about life–then click here.

Cool mural in North Park remembers good old days!

A super cool street mural in North Park depicts icons from three decades: the 50s, 60s and 70s.
A very cool street mural in North Park depicts icons from three decades: the 50s, 60s and 70s.

Check out this super cool street mural in North Park, on the side of a building near the corner of 30th Street and Adams Avenue! It’s titled “Remembering… 50’s 60’s 70’s” and was painted by the artist Kerry A. Moore in 2008. The mural depicts small, iconic scenes from what many might call the good old days! I searched like crazy but could find absolutely nothing about this fun street art on the internet.

How many entertainment legends and famous people from those three decades can you spot? Among others, I recognize Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, the I Love Lucy show, the Rat Pack, Martin Luther King, Jr., Neil Armstrong, the Beatles, JFK, Easy Rider, Jimi Hendrix, the original Star Wars, The Godfather, Happy Days, John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever, and, of course, Rocky Balboa. I was a kid in the 70’s and remember many good times. Movies I remember fondly include Star Wars, Rocky and Superman. But most of my best old memories are probably from the 80’s, experiencing life and this great big world as a young adult.  Wow, the years have gone by quickly.

I have a dream. Make love, not war. Happy Days. Revolutionary music, cool cars, sports heroes, and a space opera that altered entertainment forever. Bits of history and popular culture from America's past.
I have a dream. Make love, not war. Happy Days. Revolutionary music, cool cars, sports heroes, and a space opera that changed entertainment forever. Bits of history and popular culture from America’s past.  Now that is one jam-packed mural!

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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!

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!

Amazing animal bronzes at San Diego Museum of Art!

Dog Gnawing Bone, Arthur Putnam, 1904. Photo courtesy San Diego Museum of Art.
Dog Gnawing Bone, Arthur Putnam, 1904. Photo courtesy San Diego Museum of Art.

Wow! I enjoyed another awesome visit to the San Diego Museum of Art last weekend, courtesy of my docent friend Catherine! She provided a spellbinding tour of several exhibits!  The one I liked most–possibly because I love animals and because the artist has a San Diego connection–concerned the bronze sculptures of Arthur Putnam.

The exhibition, titled Ferocious Bronze, features artwork so utterly amazing that Arthur Putnam has been called the American Rodin. He was such a gifted sculptor that his pieces have sometimes been mistaken for those of Frederic Remington. Most of his bronzes depict animals in the wild:  hunting, in mortal combat, at play or at rest.

Arthur Putnam lived from 1873–1930 and was considered one of the greatest sculptors of his era. At the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco he won a coveted Gold Medal.  During his lifetime his work was exhibited in major cities, including New York, Chicago, Paris and Rome. Many of his monumental public sculptures still stand in San Francisco, Monterey and San Diego.

Check out these photos! They provide a small taste of what you’ll experience should you visit Ferocious Bronze. You can get an idea of Putnam’s tremendous artistry. The superb realism is partly due to the fact that he personally loved the outdoors, and spent many days observing animals in the wild and at zoos. A mostly self-taught artist, Putnam even worked for a brief time at a slaughterhouse. (Yuck!)

Did I mention Arthur Putnam’s unique San Diego connection? His very first commission was from newspaper magnate E. W. Scripps, which he received at the Scripps Ranch located in Miramar. In addition, two of Putnam’s monumental works stand today near the spot where San Diego was founded–the very place where European civilization took root in California.

(I’ve included my own photos of the two large bronze sculptures that stand on San Diego’s Presidio Hill.  I wrote a blog several years ago that concerned an interesting walk past these sculptures.)

Ferocious Bronze, curated by Dr. James Grebl, showcases 28 of Putnam’s amazing animal pieces.  They were selected from the over 100 pieces that the San Diego Museum of Art has in their collection. This special exhibit was inspired by another Balboa Park institution: the world famous San Diego Zoo! They are now celebrating their centennial year!

If you happen to be in San Diego, and if you love fine art or have a special place in your heart for wild animals, I recommend that you head over to see Ferocious Bronze at the San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park! This very cool exhibition runs through October 11, 2016.

Big Combat, Arthur Putnam, undated. Photo courtesy San Diego Museum of Art.
Big Combat, Arthur Putnam, undated. Photo courtesy San Diego Museum of Art.
Ambling Bear, Arthur Putnam, 1910. Photo courtesy San Diego Museum of Art.
Ambling Bear, Arthur Putnam, 1910. Photo courtesy San Diego Museum of Art.
Fighting Buffalo, Arthur Putnam, 1900. Photo courtesy San Diego Museum of Art.
Fighting Buffalo, Arthur Putnam, 1900. Photo courtesy San Diego Museum of Art.
Lynx Ready to Spring, Arthur Putnam, 1909. Photo courtesy San Diego Museum of Art.
Lynx Ready to Spring, Arthur Putnam, 1909. Photo courtesy San Diego Museum of Art.
The Indian, Arthur Putnam, 1905. This amazing sculpture stands today on San Diego's Presidio Hill beneath the Serra Museum.
The Indian, Arthur Putnam, 1905. This amazing sculpture stands on San Diego’s Presidio Hill beneath the Serra Museum.
The Padre, Arthur Putnam, 1908. This sculpture stands among some trees on San Diego's Presidio Hill beneath the Serra Museum.
The Padre, Arthur Putnam, 1908. This sculpture stands among some trees on San Diego’s Presidio Hill beneath the Serra Museum.
Wild Cat, Arthur Putnam, 1908. Photo courtesy San Diego Museum of Art.
Wild Cat, Arthur Putnam, 1908. Photo courtesy San Diego Museum of Art.

…

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!

Do you like to read short pieces of thought-provoking fiction? You might enjoy checking out Short Stories by Richard.

Photos of Memorial Day ceremony at Fort Rosecrans.

Flags and flowers are placed where the fallen now rest.
Flags and flowers are placed where the fallen now rest.

Today there was a moving Memorial Day ceremony at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. I attended.

Here are some photos. Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, located on Point Loma high above the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay, is the final resting place of thousands of American soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines, and their families, who served their country with courage and honor. Many who are buried in this hallowed place fought in different conflicts spanning our nation’s history, right up to the present-day War on Terrorism. Because of its amazing natural setting, many say Fort Rosecrans is more beautiful than even Arlington or Normandy. As you can see, it’s a special place.

A Memorial Day rose adorns a solemn grave marker at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.
A Memorial Day rose adorns a solemn grave marker at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.
American flags at the grave markers around the USS Bennington Monument. The granite obelisk remembers those sailors who lost their lives when the warship's boiler exploded in San Diego Bay.
American flags at the grave markers around the USS Bennington Monument. The granite obelisk remembers those sailors who lost their lives when the warship’s boiler exploded in San Diego Bay in 1905.
Love and respect are shown for those in the military who pledged to protect their countrymen, and defend freedom. They are honored on Memorial Day.
Love and respect are shown for those in the military who pledged to protect their countrymen, and defend freedom. They are honored on Memorial Day.
Walking among silent rows of white. Many gave the ultimate sacrifice for their nation.
Walking among silent rows of white. Many gave the ultimate sacrifice for their nation.
Many old granite markers at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery recall decades and centuries of history.
Many old granite markers at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery recall decades and centuries of history.
In memory of the Mormon Battalion whose members made the longest military march in U.S. history of over 2000 miles from Iowa to San Diego in 1847.
A marker reads: “Lydia Hunter died from complications resulting from the birth of her only child, a son named Diego Hunter, the first American born in San Diego. Diego was born 20 April 1847, Lydia died 6 days later. May we honor her and each of those women who served with the Mormon Battalion.” Members of the Mormon Battalion made the longest military march in U.S. history. They marched over 2000 miles from Iowa to San Diego in 1847.
People assemble in front of the rostrum where the Memorial Day service will be conducted at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.
People assemble in front of the rostrum where the Memorial Day service will be conducted at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.
People from all walks of life have gathered together to honor those who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
People from all walks of life have gathered together to honor those who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
While people take their seats before the opening and introduction, Marine Band San Diego provides music.
While people take their seats before the opening and introduction, Marine Band San Diego provides music.
The color guard comes forward. Those attending the ceremony sing the Star Spangled Banner and say the Pledge of Allegiance.
The color guard comes forward. Those attending the ceremony sing the Star Spangled Banner and recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
Some patriots in the crowd wave small flags.
Some patriots in the crowd wave small flags.
Veterans salute. Respect is shown for the flag.
Veterans salute. Respect is shown for the flag.
The color guard exited along the side where I sat, allowing me to take a couple of good photographs.
The color guard exited along the side where I sat, allowing me to take a couple of good photographs.
Members of a high school ROTC program carry the United States and California flags.
Members of a high school ROTC program carry the United States and California flags.
Folded flags are presented to families of fallen heroes. Everyone watching was very attentive and quiet.
Folded flags are presented to families of fallen heroes. Everyone watching was very attentive and quiet.
An address about different forms of love during Memorial Day. The moving speech was given by Major General O'Donohue of the 1st Marine Division in Camp Pendleton.
An address about different forms of love during Memorial Day. The moving speech was given by Major General O’Donohue of the 1st Marine Division in Camp Pendleton.
Ceremonial wreaths approach the rostrum. Many organizations presented wreaths, including the Knights of Columbus shown here.
Ceremonial wreaths approach the rostrum. Many organizations presented wreaths, including the Knights of Columbus shown here.
Various ceremonial wreaths are displayed in front of the assembled people. Tokens of love, gratitude and respect.
Various ceremonial wreaths are displayed in front of the assembled people. Tokens of love, gratitude and respect.
Finally, taps is played while the cemetery flag is lowered to half staff. Salutes included three rifle volleys, a musket volley, and a cannon.
Finally, taps is played while the cemetery flag is lowered to half staff. Salutes included three rifle volleys, a musket volley, and a cannon.
A bagpiper, after playing Lament for a Soldier, exits across the green grass, where the fallen lie eternally.
A bagpiper, after playing Lament for a Soldier, exits across the green grass, where the fallen lie eternally.
The ceremony is over, and those visiting the cemetery fan out to pay their respects. The Marine Band remained seated for a bit of concluding music.
The ceremony is over, and those visiting the cemetery fan out to pay their respects. The Marine Band remained seated for a bit of concluding music.
A Navy officer walks down a cemetery driveway, which overlooks the channel entrance to San Diego Bay.
A Navy officer walks down a cemetery driveway, which overlooks the channel entrance to San Diego Bay.
Walls around the cemetery contain columbarium niches for cremated remains.
Walls around the cemetery contain columbarium niches for cremated remains.  Naval Air Station North Island and downtown San Diego are visible in the background.
Walking along the columbarium. Its plaques identify loved ones.
Walking along the columbarium. Its plaques identify loved ones.
These two guys had bouquets in their backpacks. They are gazing along the Point Loma peninsula in the direction of Cabrillo National Monument.
These two guys had bouquets in their backpacks. They are gazing along the Point Loma peninsula in the direction of Cabrillo National Monument.
A deeply moving sight. Solemn rows of white on rolling green hills. Volunteers have adorned every grave with an American flag and rose.
A deeply moving sight. Solemn rows of white on rolling green hills. Volunteers have provided every grave with an American flag and rose.
Member of the next generation among those who came before.
Member of the next generation among those who came before.
The living walk thoughtfully through Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego.
The living walk thoughtfully through Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego.
More grave markers and a small plaque nearby.
More grave markers and a small plaque nearby.
The markers in this memorial area honor veterans whose remains have not been recovered or identified, were buried at sea, donated to science, or cremated and the ashes scattered.
The markers in this memorial area honor veterans whose remains have not been recovered or identified, were buried at sea, donated to science, or cremated and the ashes scattered.
After the Memorial Day ceremony, some people linger to view the ceremonial wreaths. The plaque behind the rostrum contains President Lincoln's famed Gettysburg Address.
After the Memorial Day ceremony, some people linger to view the floral tributes and the flag-draped Casket of the Unknown Soldier. The plaque behind the rostrum contains President Lincoln’s famed Gettysburg Address.
And now almost everyone has departed.
And now almost everyone has departed.
Plaque near Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery entrance has lines from The Bivouac of the Dead, a poem by Theodore O'Hara.
Plaque near Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery entrance has lines from The Bivouac of the Dead, a poem by Theodore O’Hara.
The main entrance plaque at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. The flag flies at half staff.
The main entrance plaque at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. The flag flies at half staff.
Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery is also a California Registered Historical Landmark.
Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery is also a California Registered Historical Landmark.
Several monuments near the cemetery entrance memorialize tragic events in U.S. military history, including ships lost in action.
Several monuments near the cemetery entrance memorialize tragic events in U.S. military history, including ships lost in action.
Flags in the breeze. A cloudy day. People atop the hill gaze down at the unseen eternal ocean.
Flags in the breeze. A cloudy day. People atop the hill gaze down at the eternal ocean.
Looking beyond grave markers toward a hazy blue horizon.
Looking beyond grave markers toward a hazy blue horizon.
A beautiful old tree rises from the Earth. Life persists.
A beautiful old tree rises from the Earth. Life persists.
A slow, thoughtful walk.
A slow, thoughtful walk.
Youth replaces a red rose that was blown by the wind to the ground. He doesn't realize that someone is watching.
Youth replaces a red rose that was blown by the wind to the ground. He doesn’t realize that someone is watching.

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San Diego stickball: Sidewalk Slammers vs. Street Rookies!

Players prepare to go to bat during a stickball tournament in San Diego's Little Italy.
Players prepare to go to bat during a stickball tournament in San Diego’s Little Italy.

A stickball tournament was held today in San Diego’s Little Italy. I watched one game between the Sidewalk Slammers and Street Rookies, and was able to snap a bunch of action photos. Sometimes these tournaments include teams from New York, but I was told that the five teams today were all local. Stickball has become a very cool downtown San Diego tradition!

Young player on the Sidewalk Slammers team takes a swing during the early innings of a fungo-style stickball game.
Young player on the Sidewalk Slammers team takes a swing during the early innings of a fungo-style stickball game.
A teammate is ready to strike the bounced rubber ball with a taped wooden broom handle. Lots of people were watching on either side of Columbia Street.
A teammate is ready to strike the bounced rubber ball with a taped wooden broom handle. Lots of people were watching on either side of Columbia Street.
Stickball fans watch the action while seated or standing. Music, drink and good times on the sidewalk in front of The Firehouse Museum in Little Italy.
Stickball fans watch the action while seated or standing. Music, drink and good times on the sidewalk in front of The Firehouse Museum in Little Italy.
Halfway through the 3rd inning and the Sidewalk Slammers trail the Street Rookies.
Halfway through the 3rd inning and the Sidewalk Slammers trail the Street Rookies.
Members of the Street Rookies, in yellow shirts, watch as their offense tries to score more runs.
Members of the Street Rookies, in yellow shirts, watch as their offense tries to score more runs.
He calls himself a Street Rookie? This guy hits the ball really hard. A line drive far down the city block.
He calls himself a Street Rookie? This guy hits the ball really hard. A line drive far down the long city block.
A runner scores by touching the chalk home plate, and the Street Rookies extend their lead.
A runner scores by touching the chalk home plate, and the Street Rookies extend their lead.
The next batter prepares to bounce the rubber ball before swinging. This type of self-pitched stickball is called fungo.
The next batter prepares to bounce the rubber ball before swinging. I learned that self-pitching the ball is technically called fungo.
Another hit! Fans go wild! A downtown San Diego street makes for a very unusual stadium.
Another hit! Fans go wild! A downtown San Diego street makes for a very unusual stadium.
Time out! A car is pulling out of a parking garage and into the asphalt outfield. During the action, pedestrians and onlookers are sometimes in the field of play.
Time out! A car is pulling out of a parking garage and into the asphalt outfield. During the action, pedestrians, dogs and onlookers are sometimes in the field of play.
Three teammates take the field at the top of a new inning. A great game is underway.
Three teammates take the field at the top of a new inning. A great game is underway.
An athletic move and lightning fast throw. If I recall, the play was very close and the runner was nearly out.
An athletic move and lightning fast throw. If I recall, the play was very close and the runner was nearly tagged out.
Another defensive play. A Sidewalk Slammers runner is safe at second base.
Another defensive play. A Sidewalk Slammers runner has safely made second base.
Another time out! The KUSI television van is leaving the scene. They had several live shots of the local stickball tournament this morning.
Another time out! The KUSI television van is leaving the scene. They had several live shots of the local stickball tournament this morning.
Someone watches the game from high up on their balcony. I believe hitting a fly into a building is considered a foul. Unlike baseball, a foul or a strike is called out. Tough rules.
Someone watches the game from high up on their balcony. I believe hitting a fly into a building is considered a foul. Unlike baseball, a foul or a strike is called out. Tough rules.
Some fielding action on the sidewalk right in front of me! Fortunately, I didn't manage to get in the way.
Some fielding action on the sidewalk right in front of me! Fortunately, I didn’t manage to get in the way.
Chasing the ball! A game played primarily in the Northeastern United States is being enjoyed several thousand miles away!
Chasing the ball! A game played primarily in the Northeastern United States is being enjoyed several thousand miles away!
Encouragement and friendship on the streets of San Diego.
Encouragement and friendship on the not-so-mean streets of San Diego.
This game is over. The members of both teams exchange high fives. Good sportsmanship and fun.
This game is over. The members of both teams exchange high fives. Good sportsmanship and fun. That’s San Diego style!
The Sidewalk Slammers get a team photo. Five local teams are competing in this tournament.
The Sidewalk Slammers get a team photo. Five local teams are competing in this tournament.
And here is the final score. Sidewalk Slammers 5. Street Rookies 12.
And here is the final score. Sidewalk Slammers 5. Street Rookies 12.
Watching a Memorial Day weekend game of stickball in San Diego's Little Italy.
People enjoy watching a Memorial Day weekend game of stickball in Little Italy.

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