Tag: books

Shakespeare’s First Folio exhibit coming to San Diego!

William Shakespeare

I learned something extraordinary today!

From June 4 to July 7, free to the public, an authentic First Folio of William Shakespeare will be on display at the San Diego Central Library downtown, in their 9th floor art gallery!

Here’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see a very rare First Folio, containing some the most important works of English and World Literature ever penned! The book will be opened at Hamlet’s famous line “To be or not to be” — and unquestionably many eyes will read it! In addition, the exhibition will include other material concerning Shakespeare, his history and his work. There will also be interesting items from the world-famous Old Globe Theatre in Balboa Park, including Shakespearean props, costumes and photographs of past theatrical productions.

The First Folio is on tour from the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C. The special exhibition is in honor of the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death.

But that’s not all! Throughout this spring and summer, over the course of several months, the Old Globe Theatre and the San Diego Public Library will be teaming up with various schools and organizations to bring our city a whole slew of exciting activities celebrating William Shakespeare. There are plays, recitations, lectures, reenactments, games, film screenings, teas and a whole bunch more. Many of the activities will be held at different libraries around the city. It’s all too much to detail here. So check out the official website!

This is going to be great fun!

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

Celebrating Dr. Seuss’ birthday with fun photos!

Kids love the Dr. Seuss displays all around the Old Globe plaza area.
Kids love the Dr. Seuss displays all around the Old Globe plaza area during December Nights in Balboa Park.

I’m not in the least embarrassed to say I love reading Dr. Seuss. Even as an adult, he remains one of my favorite authors. He created pure joy.

Today is Dr. Seuss’ birthday. He was born March 2, 1904. His actual name was Theodor Seuss Geisel, and he lived in beautiful La Jolla, just a short distance up the coast from where I now sit in downtown San Diego.

I’ve included some Dr. Seuss related photos on my blog over the years, so to remember the immortal children’s book author, I’ll share them once again!

Dr. Seuss seems to be a favorite author of the City of San Diego Park and Recreation Department!
Dr. Seuss seems to be a favorite author of the City of San Diego Park and Recreation Department, marching in the Garden Party of the Century event in Balboa Park!
Dr. Seuss' Cat in the Hat walks along a north window.
Dr. Seuss’ Cat in the Hat walks along a north window of the San Diego Central Library in East Village.
the cat in the hat on san diego central library wall
The Cat in the Hat on the San Diego Central Library children’s room wall.
Front of the Old Globe Theatre features a banner of the Dr. Seuss Grinch.
Front of the Old Globe Theatre features a banner of the Dr. Seuss Grinch during December Nights.
It's Dr. Seuss' Green Eggs and Ham! This fun art is outside the Legends Gallery in La Jolla, where popular children's book author Theodor Geisel lived.
It’s Dr. Seuss’ Green Eggs and Ham! This fun art was photographed outside the Legends Gallery in La Jolla, hometown of popular children’s book author Theodor Geisel.

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Local authors honored by San Diego Public Library!

The 50th Annual Local Author Exhibit - Golden Anniversary - runs through February 29 at the downtown San Diego Public Library.
The 50th Annual Local Author Exhibit – Golden Anniversary – runs through February 29 at the downtown San Diego Public Library.

San Diego is the home of many thoughtful, creative residents. Proof of this can be seen at downtown’s San Diego Public Library, where a special exhibit features books by local writers that were published in 2015. It’s an impressive visual tribute to local writing talent. Works of fiction and nonfiction alike are on proud display. Congratulations to all!

Many exceptional books of all types were published in 2015 by local San Diego writers.
Many exceptional books of all types were published in 2015 by local San Diego writers.
One display case contains an old manual typewriter, and lists from past years of published authors in San Diego.
One display case contains an old manual typewriter, and several lists from past years of published authors in San Diego.
The many glass display cases feature books by local authors that came out in 2015. Some of the writers are quite famous!
The many glass display cases feature books by local authors that came out in 2015. Some of the writers are quite famous!
Christmas in San Diego by local legend Bill Swank. Cool San Diego Sights has 5 photos in this awesome book! What an honor!
Christmas in San Diego by local legend Bill Swank. Cool San Diego Sights has 5 photos in this awesome book! What an honor!

I made a cool discovery! It’s Bill Swank’s new book Christmas in San Diego! I blogged about it a couple months ago!

Through the Dark Door of Time: SAN DIEGO 1867, a novel by Barbara McMikle. Blood of the Band: An Ipai Family Story, by David L. Toler, Jr.
Through the Dark Door of Time: SAN DIEGO 1867, a novel by Barbara McMikle. Blood of the Band: An Ipai Family Story, by David L. Toler, Jr.
Sunshine/Noir II: Writing from San Diego and Tijuana. Coastal Zone, poems by Joe Safdie.
Sunshine/Noir II: Writing from San Diego and Tijuana. Coastal Zone, poems by Joe Safdie.
7 Deadly Sins That Poison the Soul and How to Conquer Them! by A.D. Brown. States of Terror. The Advocate's Geocache, by Teresa Burrell.
7 Deadly Sins That Poison the Soul and How to Conquer Them! by A.D. Brown. States of Terror. The Advocate’s Geocache, by Teresa Burrell.
Sally Ride: A Photobiography of America's Pioneering Woman in Space, by Tam O'Shaughnessy. Troubleshooting Your Mac, by Joe Kissell.
Sally Ride: A Photobiography of America’s Pioneering Woman in Space, by Tam O’Shaughnessy. Troubleshooting Your Mac, by Joe Kissell.
Books by local authors concern every subject imaginable, including art, history, culture and photography.
Books by local authors concern every subject imaginable, including art, history, culture and photography.
Horror, detective fiction, graphic novels, children's book--San Diego authors are prolific creators!
Horror, detective fiction, graphic novels, young adult and children’s books . . . San Diego authors are prolific creators!
Many eBooks were published online by local San Diego writers!
Many eBooks were published online by local San Diego writers!
A number of works by local authors were written in foreign languages.
A number of works by local authors were written in foreign languages.
How to be Happy in an Unhappy World, by Marie Chapian, a New York Times Bestselling Author.
How to be Happy in an Unhappy World, by Marie Chapian, a New York Times Bestselling Author.
Congratulations to all San Diego writers who had books published in 2015!
Congratulations to all San Diego writers who had books published in 2015!

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Do you like to read original, thought-provoking fiction? Please visit Short Stories by Richard.

Read the joyful history of Christmas in San Diego!

Bill "Santa" Swank has written a really great book about the history of Christmas in San Diego!
Bill “Santa” Swank has written a really great book about the history of Christmas in San Diego!

I was privileged today to meet Bill Swank. Perhaps you’ve met him, too. Since 2002, Bill has been the volunteer Santa Claus at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion during Balboa Park’s popular December Nights. He’s a friendly good guy who effortlessly spreads cheerfulness and joy.

Bill Swank is probably best known for being a leading expert on baseball and the San Diego Padres. He’s written numerous books about baseball history. His knowledge is so deep, the San Diego Historical Society has called him our city’s top baseball historian.

His most recent book, published earlier this year, is titled Christmas in San Diego. If you love both Christmas and San Diego, I know you’ll treasure this book. It’s loaded with history, local traditions and hundreds of fun, very unique photos. (Six photos from Cool San Diego Sights are in the book! How cool is that?)

Bill “Santa” Swank believes the true meaning of Christmas is found in the Golden Rule. His excellent book also proves another important truth: that human hearts are warmed when we are generous and kind. In the book you’ll see community-spirited Santas through the decades bringing joy to many generations, lifting the spirits of all.

From Christmas Eve way back in 1775, to the present day, Christmas in San Diego covers over two hundred years of local history. You’ll find out how both famous and ordinary San Diegans have celebrated the holiday season, and learn a good deal about many historical places and events. Personally, I love the parts concerning unselfish Santa Claus volunteers who’ve participated in a surprising range of charitable activities. Touching young and old alike, with a twinkle-eyed smile and merry Ho, Ho, Ho!

I was privileged to shake the hand of Santa Claus today. Read Christmas in San Diego, and you will be able to peer into Santa’s heart.

Paths of light: night photos under the library dome.

View of the lit dome of San Diego's downtown library, seen from the 9th floor at night.
View of the lit dome of San Diego’s downtown library, seen from the 9th floor at night.

Yesterday evening after work I walked a bit in the darkness. The air was cool, downtown was quieting. I was drawn to the San Diego Central Library, and of course I had to ascend to the 9th floor. Few others were about. I lingered high above the city, outside under the lattice steel dome. I watched small trolleys slip past below. A thousand distant lights stretched toward the South Bay. The world seemed remote. Paths of gentle light were traced above, around and below. I seemed to float in a swirled galaxy; but I saw no stars.

Inside a glowing steel lattice. The new library's dome in the past couple years has become a distinctive feature of San Diego's skyline.
Inside a glowing steel lattice. The new library’s dome in the past couple years has become a distinctive feature of San Diego’s skyline.
Gazing through the unique dome toward the 12th and Imperial Transit Center's clock tower.
Gazing through the unique dome toward the 12th and Imperial Transit Center’s clock tower.
Nine stories below, a trolley heads north into the heart of East Village.
Nine stories below, a trolley heads north into the heart of East Village.
Looking down into the large reading room of the San Diego Central Library after dark. Under the dome, people were quietly studying, or just gazing out into the nighttime.
Looking down into the large reading room of the San Diego Central Library after dark. Under the dome, people were quietly studying, or just gazing out into the nighttime.
Meshed paths of light seem to radiate like a halo from the top of San Diego's amazing downtown library.
Meshed paths of light seem to radiate like a halo from the top of San Diego’s amazing downtown library.

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Free books for teachers, schools, hospitals and prisons.

San Diego Book Project promotes literacy both locally and worldwide. They were present at TwainFest in Old Town.
San Diego Book Project promotes literacy both locally and worldwide. They were present at TwainFest in Old Town.

The San Diego Book Project promotes literacy both locally and worldwide. It’s an effort I strongly support. So when I happened to see these folks with a table full of books at TwainFest this weekend, I instantly decided to provide a hand with my blog.

The San Diego Book Project has given away nearly a million donated books! They’re sent to teachers, schools, classrooms and students who might not have the resources to buy their own material. Beyond San Diego’s more disadvantaged neighborhoods, schools in South Africa, India, Peru and the Philippines have also received free books. Life-changing books are also sent to hospitals and prisons, and any not-for-profit organization that actively encourages literacy.

Do you need some free books? Would you like to donate or volunteer? Check out their website.

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is a work of classic literature sure to interest new readers.
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is a work of classic literature sure to interest new readers.
Good books open minds, promote education. An exciting journey with the written word makes life richer and more meaningful.
Good books open minds, promote education. An exciting journey with the written word makes life richer and more meaningful.

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Twain and classic literary characters roam Old Town!

Mark Twain uses his cane to point out his classic novel The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Many 19th century authors and fictional characters were seen walking about during TwainFest.
Mark Twain uses cane to point out his classic novel The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Many 19th century authors and fictional characters were seen walking around during TwainFest.

TwainFest last summer was awesome. So today I had to go again!

A uniquely wonderful cultural event, TwainFest celebrates Mark Twain and other famous 19th century authors. Held every year in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, the event includes games and activities for the entire family, including Costume and Liar’s contests (the latter as a tribute to Twain’s tall tales), vintage dancing, and all sorts of historical performances and reenactments. TwainFest is presented by Fiesta de Reyes and created by the literature-loving folks at Write Out Loud.

I walked about randomly for about an hour just aiming my camera at familiar old classics that I love come to life. I saw lots of San Diegans in period costume, many portraying well known characters from literature.

I hope you enjoy these photos…

A random writer helps to pen one of three endless stories at the family friendly event. ...And, lo, from out of the mist stepped a phantom it was the ghost of Mark Twain!
A random writer helps to pen one of three endless stories at the family friendly event. …And, lo, from out of the mist stepped a phantom: it was the ghost of Mark Twain!
Mr. Samuel Clemens, American author of many famous books and stories, relaxes under a tree in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park during 2015 TwainFest.
Mr. Samuel Clemens, American author of many timeless books and stories, relaxes under a tree in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park during 2015 TwainFest.
Mark Twain's beloved character Aunt Polly is looking around for Tom Sawyer and Huck, who are probably running about engaged in mischief once again.
Mark Twain’s beloved character Aunt Polly is looking around for Tom Sawyer and Huck, who are probably running about engaged in mischief once again.
Some lively Irish music dating from the Old West is played during TwainFest on the Fiesta de Reyes stage. Laughter. Levity. Literature.
Some lively Irish music dating from the Old West is played during TwainFest on the Fiesta de Reyes stage. Laughter. Levity. Literature.
A storyteller making the rounds at TwainFest asks the audience between musical performances to solve humorous riddles.
A storyteller making the rounds at TwainFest challenges the audience between musical performances to solve humorous riddles.
This elegantly-dressed gentleman informed me he would be reading classic fiction to the crowd later today.
This elegantly-dressed gentleman informed me he would be reading classic fiction to the crowd later today.
Not to miss this history and literature-inspired event, a couple of fun-loving pirates come shuffling along through Old Town's central plaza.
Not to miss this history and literature-inspired event, a couple of fun-loving pirates come shuffling along through Old Town’s central plaza.
Oh, goodness! It's one of the most famous fictional, rascally pirates of all! Long John Silver! What's that in the bottle
Oh, goodness! It’s one of the most famous fictional, rascally pirates of all! Long John Silver! What’s that in the bottle?
Captain Swordfish, representing the Maritime Museum of San Diego, and a really big harpoon. Perhaps it was once used to hunt Moby Dick.
Al Sorkin, aka Captain Swordfish, represents the Maritime Museum of San Diego. That’s a really big harpoon! Perhaps it was once used to hunt Moby Dick.
These two friendly folks in period costume were greeting visitors at the entrance to the Casa de Estudillo.
Two friendly people in period costume were greeting visitors at the entrance to the Casa de Estudillo.
This funny guy said he was a sort-of Mad Hatter with a Bowie knife! He looked more like a 19th century Willy Wonka to me!
This funny guy said he was a sort-of Mad Hatter with a Bowie knife! He looked more like a 19th century Willy Wonka to me!
Uh oh. While no one was looking Henry David Thoreau got out of his jail cell!
Uh oh. While no one was looking Henry David Thoreau got out of his jail cell! That was awfully disobedient!
These two snake oil salespeople were selling Ether of Muse. One whiff of the potent elixir and writing literature is a snap.
These two snake oil salespeople were selling Ether of Muse. One whiff of the potent elixir and writing literature is a snap.
This mild, ordinary lady in a bonnet demonstrated what happens when one sniffs essence of Emily Dickinson. She recited breathless poetry for minutes on end.
This mild, ordinary lady in a bonnet demonstrated what happens when one sniffs essence of Emily Dickinson. She recited breathless poetry for minutes on end.
Girl greets large puppet Mark Twain and Emily Dickinson at 2015 TwainFest in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park!
Girl greets large puppet Mark Twain and Emily Dickinson at 2015 TwainFest in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park!

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Biggest baseball library west of Cooperstown in San Diego!

Visitor to eighth floor of San Diego's downtown public library checks out photographs in the Sullivan Family Baseball Research Center.
Visitor to eighth floor of San Diego’s downtown public library checks out photographs in the Sullivan Family Baseball Research Center.

Many San Diegans don’t realize that our city–our amazing new Central Library, to be exact–contains a unique and important repository of American history. The Sullivan Family Baseball Research Center, located on the eighth floor of the downtown library, is home to the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR) Collection. It constitutes the largest baseball library west of Cooperstown! Shelves of books, magazines, journals, scrapbooks and other historical documents, and many photographs, have recorded in detail the fascinating history of American baseball. And it’s all open to the public!

The research center is directly adjacent to the spacious, high-domed reading room. In the center of the collection is a shiny sculpture of a player swinging a bat, titled Male baseball #1, created in 2009 by artist Yoram Wolberger. On one wall among many old photos, a video screen shows scenes from baseball history. This is one super cool section of the library!

According to the website of the Society for American Baseball Research: “The Baseball Research Center opened in 2001, with an initial collection of books and microfilm donated by SABR’s Ted Williams Chapter. In the years since, it has grown to more than 3,000 publications, books, and journals, and 300 microfilm reels.”

Today, the collection is housed in museum-like grandeur, and to peruse the many photographs and titles is like taking a wonderful, nostalgic journey back through time. Anyone who is a fan of baseball in San Diego needs to check it out!

Bronze and chrome Yoram Wolberger statue of a baseball player swinging a bat.
Bronze and chrome Yoram Wolberger statue of a baseball player swinging a bat.
Many historical photographs can be enjoyed on one wall of the baseball research center.
Many historical photographs can be enjoyed on one wall of the baseball research center.
Anyone who is interested in sports, and America's Pastime in particular, should visit the SABR Collection in San Diego.
Anyone who is interested in sports, and America’s Pastime in particular, should visit the SABR Collection in San Diego.
The collection includes many books, periodicals and artifacts concerning the great sport of baseball.
The collection includes many books, periodicals and artifacts concerning the great sport of baseball.
Photo of one display case, which contains a copy of Baseball Magazine, plus various programs and record books.
Photo of one display case, which contains a copy of Baseball Magazine, plus various programs and record books.
Another exhibit, with an old newspaper, World Series Records, Sporting News publication, team photograph.
Another display case, with an old newspaper, World Series Records, Sporting News publication, team photograph.
Shelves in the library contain hundreds of baseball reference books and registers.
Shelves in the library contain hundreds of baseball reference books and registers.
One small exhibit focuses on fan photography, called Fantography.
One small exhibit focuses on fan photography, called Fantography.
Cool photo of the KGB Chicken between two Padrettes. Ted Giannoulas later became known as The Famous San Diego Chicken.
Cool photo of the KGB Chicken between two Padrettes. Ted Giannoulas later became known as The Famous San Diego Chicken.
Image of San Diego past superstar Dave Winfield in stadium greeting fans.
Image of San Diego past superstar Dave Winfield in stadium greeting fans.
Wonderful photo of San Diego Padres legendary Hall of Fame player Tony Gwynn with his family out on the playing field.
Wonderful photo of San Diego Padres legendary Hall of Fame player Tony Gwynn with his family out on the playing field.

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High School students create cool graphic novel!

Thoughtful, talented young artists create a graphic novel using imagination and creativity.
Thoughtful, talented young artists create a graphic novel using imagination and creativity.

I made a very cool discovery!

A local high school had an intriguing exhibit in Balboa Park yesterday during the big Garden Party of the Century event. The CCA Envision Conservatory for the Humanities Hummingbird Project has been launched by Canyon Crest Academy in Carmel Valley. Students are creating a graphic novel!

The four-part graphic novel will tell the story of four separate children who magically transform into a hummingbird and take flight. During each journey, the central character meets other animal friends and explores new places. The exciting stories encourage imagination and help educate the reader about culture, mythology, history and the environment.

What a fantastic, brilliant idea! Students learn, write, create art and become published all at once!

Perhaps other schools might be interested in doing something similar!

Here’s their Spirit Skies graphic novel website.

The Hummingbird Project includes a four-part graphic novel created by students at Canyon Crest Academy!
The Hummingbird Project includes a four-part graphic novel created by students at Canyon Crest Academy!
Inspiring exhibit at Balboa Park's big Garden Party of the Century event.
Inspiring exhibit at Balboa Park’s big Garden Party of the Century event.

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Balloons, wings, stars and the wisdom of Seuss.

Panda with star on belly is lifted by colorful balloons, and floats away into the blue sky.
Panda with star on belly is lifted by colorful balloons, and floats away into the blue sky.

No matter how different people might appear, we all live among the same bright stars.

Perhaps that’s a bit of wisdom inferred from a book by one of my favorite authors, Dr. Seuss.

That also seems to be the elevating message of this cool street art in Bankers Hill.

While words and art might eventually fade (as these photos prove), the stars buried within us do not.

These three transformer boxes in Bankers Hill are painted with unbounded imagination.
These three transformer boxes in Bankers Hill are painted with unbounded imagination.
Jazzy guy plays keyboard in a boat that soars above the surf and a star-bellied bird.
Jazzy guy plays keyboard in a boat that soars above the surf and a star-bellied bird.
Flowers in hair, on shoulders. A golden star joins the sun and sunflower in symbolic street art.
Flowers in hair, on shoulders. A golden star on a dress joins the sun and sunflower in symbolic street art.
Part of faded Dr. Seuss verse. That day, all the Sneetches forgot about stars and whether they had one, or not, upon thars.
Part of slowly fading Dr. Seuss verse: “That day, all the Sneetches forgot about stars and whether they had one, or not, upon thars.”
Winged angel dog in heaven plays a drum.
Winged angel dog in heaven plays a drum.
Silly green-headed alien frolics on red planet.
Happy, unique green alien frolics on red planet.
Musician in cool sunglasses plays guitar where he stands in the cosmos.
Musician plays his guitar where he stands in the cosmos.
A zany peek over Mars, under stars.
A zany peek over Mars, under stars.

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