Tag: community

Fun photos of San Diego Zoo Centennial Festival!

The San Diego Zoo is 100! And this evening, it celebrated with an amazing centennial festival in its home--Balboa Park!
The San Diego Zoo is 100! And this evening, it is celebrating with a big centennial festival in its beautiful home: Balboa Park!

Late this afternoon, I walked through Balboa Park to check out the beginning of the huge San Diego Zoo Centennial Festival! As you might’ve guessed, our world-famous zoo has turned a hundred years old!

The San Diego Zoo began when the 1915 Panama-California Exposition came to an end in 1916.  The exposition’s veterinarian, Harry Milton Wegeforth, heard the caged lions roar. He turned to his brother and said: “Wouldn’t it be splendid if San Diego had a zoo! You know…I think I’ll start one.”

The rest is history. A century of amazing history!

The big festival today featured all sorts of fun and educational stuff, as you’ll see in my photos. I can hardly believe the size of the crowd that turned out!

I went home before dark and missed a world-record attempt in the Spreckels Organ Pavilion–the most hand puppets performing at one time. Regrettably, I also missed the opening of the big mystery boxes–gifts from the zoo to the San Diego community. As of this moment–as I publish this post–they still haven’t been opened! I’ll provide an update when I learn what was inside!

UPDATE!

From what I read the following morning, the three huge gift boxes on stage contained a puppet elephant, a puppet condor, and an 11-foot-high puppet lion that roared at the conclusion of an epic evening performance!

I should’ve stayed to watch! Apparently the Broadway-style show was amazing, and featured Tony and Grammy Award-winning singer Heather Headley, lots of dancing, the performing puppets, and an inspiring light show. If you want to check out some pics, here are a bunch of good ones!

A huge crowd walks down El Prado in Balboa Park, enjoying exhibits and entertainment celebrating the world-famous San Diego Zoo.
A huge crowd walks down El Prado in Balboa Park, enjoying exhibits and entertainment celebrating the world-famous San Diego Zoo’s centennial.
People listen to live music in the Plaza de Panama. Many people wore hats or shirts decorated with animals.
People listen to live music in the Plaza de Panama. Many people wore hats or shirts decorated with animals.
Sign lists the various activities at the San Diego Zoo Centennial community celebration.
Sign lists the various activities at the San Diego Zoo Centennial community celebration.
Zoo staff and volunteers help kids create animal-themed art.
Zoo staff and volunteers help kids create animal-themed art.
These mariachis were almost ready to perform!
These mariachis were almost ready to perform!
Street magician excites a kid.
Street magician excites a kid.
Musicians were everywhere. It was a big party for San Diego.
Musicians were everywhere. It was a big party for San Diego.
A botanicals exhibit explained how the San Diego Zoo isn't merely saving endangered animal species, but saving rare plants, too! I'm going to blog about it shortly.
A botanicals exhibit explained how the San Diego Zoo isn’t merely saving endangered animal species, but saving rare plants, too! I’m going to blog about this shortly!
Look who I spotted giving an interview. The celebrated and much beloved zoo spokesperson Joan Embery!
Look who I spotted giving an interview. The celebrated and much-beloved zoo spokesperson Joan Embery!
Lots of cool zoo gifts and fun commemorative stuff for sale, of course!
Lots of cool zoo gifts and fun commemorative stuff was for sale, of course!
Another exhibit showed how the zoo helps wildlife researchers using modern digital recording technology in the field.
Another exhibit showed how the zoo helps wildlife researchers using modern digital recording technology in the field.
Several local high schools were having their proms tonight, and I spotted many fancy dresses throughout Balboa Park. I'm not sure about this photo shoot!
Several local high schools were having their proms tonight, and I spotted many fancy dresses throughout Balboa Park. I’m not sure about this photo shoot!
It's still an hour before the main programming begins, but people are already gathering in the Spreckels Organ Pavilion. There's the large mystery box on the left!
It’s still two hours before the main programming begins, but people are already gathering in the Spreckels Organ Pavilion. There are the large mystery boxes!
Zoo team member was super friendly and answered several of my questions. Every zoo representative I talked to was enthusiastic, knowledgeable and really nice.
This super friendly San Diego Zoo team member answered several of my questions. Every zoo representative I talked to was enthusiastic, knowledgeable and really nice.
Some dancing up on the stage. At eight o'clock, the main program would begin.
Some dancing up on the stage. At eight o’clock, the main program would begin.
A tiger roams through Balboa Park.
A tiger roams through Balboa Park.

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Photos from Ocean Beach Pier Cleanup Day!

Cool people search under the Ocean Beach Municipal Pier for litter. I love a clean San Diego!
Cool people search under the Ocean Beach Municipal Pier for litter. I love a clean San Diego!

This morning I headed to the OB pier to take a bunch of photos. Some of them might end up being used in a book about the piers of California! (I’ll blog more about that later as events unfold.)

I was pleasantly surprised to see my visit to Ocean Beach happened to coincide with the Ocean Beach Pier Cleanup Day, which is organized by San Diego Coastkeeper and the Surfrider Foundation. I took some pics of awesome volunteers combing the sand for all sorts of nasty litter. Once again, I learned cigarette butts are a huge problem. One small team I spoke to collected literally hundreds of them from the beach.

Do you live in San Diego?  Let’s help to keep our city clean and beautiful!

Many residents of Ocean Beach help to keep their community clean, collecting trash that damages the coastal environment.
Many residents of Ocean Beach help to keep their community clean, collecting trash that damages the coastal environment.
These guys using a metal detector were sifting the sand for precious treasure! In their own way, they help to keep the beach clean, too!
These guys using a metal detector were sifting the sand for precious treasure! In their own way, I suppose, they were helping to keep the beach clean, too!
Plastic bags filled up with litter as volunteers made Ocean Beach that more beautiful and inviting.
Plastic bags fill up with garbage as volunteers make Ocean Beach that more beautiful and inviting.
These friendly guys found over 300 cigarette butts. Yikes. If only some people could be a little more thoughtful...
These friendly volunteers found over 300 cigarette butts. Yikes. If only some people could be a little more thoughtful…
Collected trash is recorded at the San Diego Coastkeeper station not far from the OB pier.
Collected trash is recorded at the San Diego Coastkeeper station not far from the OB pier.
Volunteers search the beach near the OB pier for litter during a cleanup day.
Volunteers search the beach near the OB pier for litter during a cleanup day.

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Photos of Chargers’ downtown stadium petition drive event.

Chargers football fans hold huge bolts for a photograph!
Chargers football fans hold huge bolts for a photograph!

Here are a bunch of photos from today’s Chargers petition drive event in downtown San Diego. Our NFL team is seeking to have a new stadium built downtown, and a petition has been launched to put their proposal on the November ballot. The event brought several popular players and dignitaries to the spot where the proposed stadium would be built, and signature gatherers circulated among Chargers fans.

I had planned to check out a pop-up Shakespeare performance at the nearby Central Library at noon (I’ll blog about that shortly), but when I saw this rally was planned for eleven o’clock, I added it to my list of things to do! Personally, I enjoy watching the Chargers play on television on Sunday, but am not really a diehard fan. I agree it would be a shame to see them leave San Diego. They are a part of our history and community.  I’m not especially passionate about any particular stadium proposal–either Mission Valley or downtown. As a downtown resident, a new football stadium nearby (which would also be used in conjunction with the San Diego Convention Center) would bring a lot of excitement into the neighborhood. It might also create certain inconveniences.

Today’s big Chargers petition drive kickoff intrigued me, not because I’m an advocate for any side, but because I’ve become more and more philosophical as I’ve grown older. It’s interesting to simply observe human behavior.

Lots of diehard Chargers fans were on hand Saturday for a big signature gathering kickoff sponsored by the San Diego Chargers organization, in their quest for a downtown stadium.
Lots of diehard Chargers fans were on hand Saturday for a big signature gathering kickoff sponsored by the San Diego Chargers organization, in their quest for a downtown stadium.
People arriving at the San Diego Chargers downtown stadium petition drive event are asked to add their signatures.
People arriving at the San Diego Chargers downtown stadium petition drive event are asked to add their signatures.
Petitions were being signed on the sidewalk along Park Boulevard, where many homeless people camp in San Diego.
Petitions were being signed on the sidewalk along Park Boulevard, where many homeless people camp in San Diego.
Someone in the gathering crowd holds a Vote for Chargers Stadium sign.
Someone in the gathering crowd holds a Vote for Chargers Stadium sign.
One of several stations where people attending the event could sign the Chargers' downtown stadium petition.
One of several stations where people attending the event could sign the Chargers’ downtown stadium petition.
A videoboard showed various conceptual drawings of what the proposed downtown stadium would look like. It would also be used for conventions.
A videoboard showed various conceptual drawings of what the proposed downtown stadium would look like. It could also be used for conventions.
Camera people get ready for the heavily promoted event to begin.
Camera people get ready for the heavily promoted event to begin.
A fan in a Chargers team jersey holds a poster that says Thank You 21. That was LaDainian Tomlinson's number.
A fan in a Chargers team jersey holds a poster that says Thank You 21. That was LaDainian Tomlinson’s number.
A fairly large crowd has gathered in the parking lot near Petco Park where Padres fans often tailgate. The proposed stadium would be built here.
A fairly large crowd has gathered in the parking lot near Petco Park where Padres fans often tailgate. The proposed stadium would be built here.
A fan brought a football. Perhaps he was hoping for an autograph.
A fan brought a football. Perhaps he was hoping for an autograph.
Footage of LaDainian Tomlinson's football exploits was a big crowd pleaser.
Footage of LaDainian Tomlinson’s football exploits was a big crowd pleaser.
Television news cameras and media photographers jam together to capture the Chargers' downtown stadium petition publicity event.
Television news cameras and media photographers jam together to capture the Chargers’ downtown stadium petition publicity event.  It seems everyone has a role to play.
Dean Spanos, team president and CEO of the National Football League's San Diego Chargers team takes the stage. Pre-made signs intended to shame Mayor Faulconer rise in unison.
Dean Spanos, team president and CEO of the National Football League’s San Diego Chargers team takes the stage. Pre-made signs intended to shame Mayor Kevin Faulconer rise in unison.
Roger Goodell, Commissioner of the National Football League, advocates for a new football stadium downtown.
Roger Goodell, Commissioner of the National Football League, advocates for a new football stadium downtown.
LaDainian Tomlinson, one of the best running backs in NFL history, flew in from Texas for the event. He was clearly the crowd favorite and received loud cheers.
LaDainian Tomlinson, one of the best running backs in NFL history, flew in from Texas for the event. He was clearly the crowd favorite and received loud cheers.
Philip Rivers, star quarterback of the San Diego Chargers, got the crowd excited during the petition event.
Philip Rivers, star quarterback of the San Diego Chargers, got the crowd excited during the petition event.
Several super fans take part in a ceremonial first signing on stage with the various dignitaries.
Several super fans take part in a “ceremonial first signing” on stage with the various dignitaries.
A blast of glitter and raised pom-poms from smiling San Diego Charger Girls cheerleaders as the event comes to a conclusion.
A blast of glitter and raised pom-poms from smiling San Diego Charger Girls cheerleaders as the rousing event comes to a conclusion.
After the event is over, someone holds up a cardboard Not Downtown poster. There are many interested people on both sides of the issue.
After the event is over, someone holds up a cardboard Not Downtown poster. There are various interests on either side of the issue. Many people are passionate for one reason or another.  And of course a lot of money is at stake.

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Flowers, food, music and fun at Jacaranda Spring Thing!

Home Depot brought a bunch of colorful flowers to the Jacaranda Spring Thing community event on Cortez Hill.
Home Depot brought a bunch of colorful flowers to the Jacaranda Spring Thing community event on Cortez Hill.

On my way home from Balboa Park, I walked through the Jacaranda Spring Thing neighborhood event being held this afternoon on Cortez Hill. I saw a relaxed gathering of people out in the sunshine, enjoying some food, live music and other fun activities. Home Depot was on hand demonstrating some gardening and patio ideas for anyone interested. It’s still going on as I post this–until 4 o’clock!

I saw folks setting up the Jacaranda Spring Thing on Date Street this morning, as I set out on my walk.
I saw folks setting up the Jacaranda Spring Thing on Date Street this morning, as I set out on my walk.
Purple blooms of jacaranda trees can be seen around downtown San Diego's Cortez Hill neighborhood.
Purple blooms of jacaranda trees can be seen around downtown San Diego’s Cortez Hill neighborhood.
A neighbor learns about outdoor and indoor gardening.
A neighbor learns about outdoor and indoor gardening during the special Cortez Hill event.
Someone tries their hand at a fun bean bag toss game.
Someone tries their hand at a fun bean bag toss game.
A book truck from nearby Tijuana could be found at the Jacaranda Spring Thing.
A colorful book truck operated by a Mexican publisher could be found at the Jacaranda Spring Thing.
Live music, food and good times in the spring sunshine on a Saturday afternoon.
Live music, food and good times in the spring sunshine on a Saturday afternoon.

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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!

How to help keep the San Diego River healthy.

Bright yellow California sunflowers. San Diego has more botanical diversity than any other county in the continental United States.
Bright yellow California sunflowers. San Diego has more botanical diversity than any other county in the continental United States.

The San Diego River has always been a source of life. Ancient people flourished on its banks. It’s where European civilization began in California. That civilization today has grown to include freeways, shopping malls, industrial parks and immense residential complexes. Like a gleaming thread of silver, the river flows through it all, eternally, west to the Pacific Ocean.

The health of this once-pristine river, crowded in many areas by human development, is threatened in challenging ways. Pollutants found in storm runoff, windblown litter, piles of garbage and human waste from homeless encampments, encroachment by non-native vegetation… These problems and others require the thoughtful involvement of the local community. Volunteers monitor the river; some help to pick up trash or report graffiti. Active, concerned residents attend special meetings to discuss improvements or make critical decisions.

Would you like to become involved? Click here, or check out my two photos of posters that include contact information.

Our careful stewardship of the San Diego River will ensure the survival of an important riparian ecosystem, and will allow future generations to walk down trails of spirit-nourishing beauty.

Gazing west along the San Diego River from Qualcomm Way.
Gazing west along the San Diego River from Qualcomm Way.
Bicycle and pedestrian paths follow the San Diego River through Mission Valley.
Bicycle and pedestrian paths follow the San Diego River through Mission Valley.
Litter carelessly dropped by a mile marker for The San Diego River Trail. It was picked up.
Litter carelessly dropped near a mile marker for The San Diego River Trail. It was picked up.
The community is working to restore and enhance this area while making an inviting living science center in the heart of our urban riparian environment.
The community is working to restore and enhance this area while making an inviting living science center in the heart of our urban riparian environment.  (Click image to enlarge.)
Make a difference with a fun group of people. Join the River Assessment Team! Help support a clean river and get some exercise!
Make a difference with a fun group of people. Join the River Assessment Team! Help support a clean river and get some exercise! (Click image to enlarge.)
A red San Diego Trolley passes over the life-filled river as it approaches the Rio Vista station.
A red San Diego Trolley passes over the life-filled river as it approaches the Rio Vista station.
A gathering of American coots (or mud hens) where the San Diego River passes beneath Camino del Este.
A gathering of American coots (or mud hens) where the San Diego River passes beneath Camino del Este.
Dark clouds and barren Fremont Cottonwoods minutes before a winter storm brings brief torrential rain.
Dark clouds and barren Fremont Cottonwoods minutes before a winter storm brings brief torrential rain.
Beautiful flowers can be seen at almost any time of year during a nature walk along The San Diego River Trail.
Beautiful flowers can be seen at almost any time of year during a nature walk along The San Diego River Trail.
A couple of bees collect pollen in the morning.
A couple of busy bees collect pollen in the morning.

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San Diego residents learn a cool craft in a park!

Neighbors gather in San Diego's East Village to learn how to make cool mosaic planters!
Neighbors gather in San Diego’s East Village to learn how to make cool mosaic planters!

This morning, residents of San Diego gathered at Fault Line Park in East Village to learn how to make mosaic planters! The neighborhood event was put together by the Downtown San Diego Partnership and Home Depot.

To make your own cool mosaic planter, you need a clay pot, ceramic tile adhesive, and broken bits of tile, colored glass or mirror. Apply a generous coat of adhesive to the outside of the pot, then press in the colorful, shiny mosaic bits! I was told it takes a good 24 hours for the white adhesive to thoroughly dry and harden.

What a fun DIY gift idea! Or a cool craft project for a downtown apartment or condo!

I think I heard that events like this will be happening at different parks around downtown San Diego every first Saturday of the month!

An event held Saturday morning at Fault Line Park taught participants how to produce an easy, artistic craft.
An event held Saturday morning at Fault Line Park taught participants how to produce an easy, artistic craft.
Home Depot sponsored the Do-it-Yourself Workshop. Everyone learned how to piece together beautiful mosaics!
Home Depot sponsored the Do-it-Yourself Workshop. Everyone learned how to piece together beautiful mosaics!
A layer of ceramic tile adhesive is applied to the exterior of clay pots.
A layer of ceramic tile adhesive is applied to the exterior of clay pots.
Lots of broken bits of tile are spread out on the table like jigsaw puzzle pieces!
Lots of broken bits of tile are spread out on the table like jigsaw puzzle pieces!
Art is easy! You just gotta do it!
Art is easy! You just gotta do it!

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A beautiful hour at the San Diego Symphony!

This friendly music instructor would teach lots of kids how to play the piano at Hands On Community Day at the San Diego Symphony!
This friendly music instructor would teach lots of kids how to play the piano at Hands On Community Day at the San Diego Symphony!

Today I enjoyed a beautiful hour at the San Diego Symphony. I arrived at noon to listen to a free public concert, which was just the first part of the five hour Hands On Community Day event. Later on, after I left for my walk, there were additional performances, and kids were taught how to play the piano by world-class musicians!

The San Diego Symphony is celebrating the piano during an ongoing Upright and Grand festival, which continues through February 8. If you haven’t been to a concert at Copley Symphony Hall, I assure you it’s a magical, wonderful experience!

Please enjoy a few photos and read the captions for explanations…

The San Diego Symphony's Upright and Grand festival is a month-long event that celebrates the piano.
The San Diego Symphony’s Upright and Grand festival is a month-long event that celebrates the piano.
Fantastic mural in lobby of Symphony Towers depicts an orchestra, including a pianist.
Fantastic mural in lobby of Symphony Towers depicts an orchestra, including a pianist.
Some bicyclists stopped by to play the public upright piano in the lobby of Symphony Towers near the box office.
Some bicyclists stopped by to play the public upright piano in the lobby of Symphony Towers near the box office.
A vintage photo in the lobby shows the Fox Theatre, built in 1929, now Copley Symphony Hall. A modern skyscraper called Symphony Towers was built over and around the old theatre in 1989.
A vintage photo in the lobby shows the Fox Theatre, built in 1929, now Copley Symphony Hall. A modern skyscraper called Symphony Towers was built over and around the old theatre in 1989.
Inside the elegant, historic Copley Symphony Hall. I arrived early to the Hands On Community Day, so there are few people in this photo.
Inside the elegant, historic Copley Symphony Hall. I arrived early to the Hands On Community Day, so there are few people in this photo.
One table had samples of a piano key's inner workings. Later on I saw lots of families and kids examining these with interest.
One table had samples of a piano key’s inner workings. Later on I saw lots of families and kids examining these with interest.
A representative for the San Diego International Piano Competition for Outstanding Amateurs had a table outside the concert hall.
A representative for the San Diego International Piano Competition for Outstanding Amateurs had a table outside the concert hall.
Six grand pianos were set up on the stage. I enjoyed the first hour of the event, which featured The Carnival of the Animals by composer Camille Saint-Saens, with poems by Ogen Nash.
Six grand pianos were set up on the stage. I enjoyed the first hour of the event, which featured The Carnival of the Animals by composer Camille Saint-Saens, with poems by Ogden Nash.
Looking up inside the concert hall. A friendly usher told me there's a winding staircase in the huge chandelier! Girls used to toss rose petals onto the audience, once upon a time long ago.
Looking up inside the concert hall. A friendly usher told me there’s a winding staircase in the huge chandelier! Girls used to toss rose petals onto the audience, once upon a time long ago.
People are arriving for the big San Diego Symphony free event, part of their Upright and Grand festival!
People are arriving for the big San Diego Symphony free event, part of their Upright and Grand festival!
After the first hour's concert is over, the audience applauds narrator Dave Scott and amazing pianists Jessie Chang and Bryan Verhoye!
After the first hour’s concert is over, the audience applauds narrator Dave Scott and amazing pianists Jessie Chang and Bryan Verhoye!

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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.

Cool sights in San Diego’s historic Chinatown.

An amazing statue of China's unifying First Emperor stands at the front entrance of the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Extension of the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum.
A statue of China’s unifying First Emperor. It stands at the front entrance of the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Extension of the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum.

From time to time I walk through San Diego’s historic Chinatown, which is located in what is officially called the Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District. The area is bounded by Market Street, 2nd Avenue, 6th Avenue and J Street. You’ll find it downtown right next to the Gaslamp Quarter.

Over the years, I’ve learned a bit about San Diego’s early history during these walks. And I’ve accumulated a few photographs. Here are some cool sights that you might enjoy. I’ve provided interesting information in the captions.

The San Diego Chinese Historical Museum in the Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District. The Chinese Mission Building, built in 1927, was moved in 1996 to its present location at 404 3rd Avenue.
The San Diego Chinese Historical Museum in the Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District. The Chinese Mission Building, built in 1927, was moved in 1995 to its present location at 404 3rd Avenue.
The California Mission Revival-style Chinese Mission Building, dated 1927, was designed by Louis Gill, nephew and protege of renowned architect Irving Gill.
The California Mission Revival-style Chinese Mission Building, dated 1927, was designed by Louis Gill, nephew and protege of renowned architect Irving Gill.
Banners along side of downtown's San Diego Chinese Historical Museum.
Banners along side of downtown’s San Diego Chinese Historical Museum.
Looking through the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Gate on Third Avenue. Behind the museum is a small Asian garden.
Looking through the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Gate on Third Avenue. Behind the museum is a small Asian garden.
Ornate front of the San Diego Chinese Center, a community resource located in the Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District, San Diego's historic Chinatown.
Ornate front of the San Diego Chinese Center, a community resource located in the Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District.
A century ago, Quin Produce was located here on Third Avenue. Ah Quin ran a family produce business and was once considered the unofficial mayor of Chinatown.
A century ago, Quin Produce was located here on Third Avenue. Ah Quin ran a family produce business and was once considered the unofficial mayor of Chinatown.
The Chuang Archive and Learning Center of the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum.
The Chuang Archive and Learning Center of the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum.
Display in window explains Feathered Beings Iconography. Feathered beings were frequently seen motifs in artifacts of the Han Dynasty.
Display in window explains Feathered Beings Iconography. Feathered beings were frequently seen motifs in artifacts of the Han Dynasty.
Three bay windows at the Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Extension display historical photographs and common artifacts from San Diego's old Chinatown.
Three bay windows at the Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Extension display historical photographs and common artifacts from San Diego’s old Chinatown.
Photographs in this outdoor exhibit show various aspects of Chinese culture.
Photographs in this outdoor exhibit show various aspects of Chinese culture.
A view of San Diego's Third Avenue a hundred years ago, and the family of influential businessman and civic leader Ah Quin.
A view of San Diego’s Third Avenue a hundred years ago, and the family of influential businessman and civic leader Ah Quin.
Items from daily life in old Chinatown include kerosene heater, iron, scale and soup spoon.
Items from daily life in old Chinatown include kerosene heater, iron, and a grocery scale.
Scale manufactured by National Store Specialty Company, circa early 1900s.
Scale manufactured by National Store Specialty Company, circa early 1900s.
Display includes various articles used for food preparation and cooking in San Diego's old Chinatown.
Display includes various articles used for food preparation and cooking in San Diego’s old Chinatown.
Beautiful, artistic and historically interesting objects from daily life long ago in Chinatown.
Beautiful, artistic and historically interesting objects from daily life long ago in Chinatown.
A walk through San Diego's Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District provides many cool sights.
A walk through San Diego’s Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District provides many cool sights!

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Please join Bloggers Lifting Others Generously!

Bloggers Lifting Others Generously - 500 x 500

I’d like to propose a new informal organization. Anyone can join. It exists in our spirit. It’s called B.L.O.G., which stands for Bloggers Lifting Others Generously.

We bloggers have amazing power. Our presence on the internet is enormous. We have significant and increasing influence in the world. Together we can make a huge positive difference.

So why not flex our muscles and use that growing influence to do good?

My proposal:

To be a self-appointed member of B.L.O.G., one must make a conscious effort to help nonprofits, charities and unselfish individuals who tirelessly work to improve our world.

Bloggers Lifting Others Generously will help these deserving folks by providing them with publicity.

From time to time–when opportunities arise–members of B.L.O.G. will publish posts about charitable efforts.  One might write a post to help publicize an organization’s food drive, or a community’s environmental cleanup, or neighborhood students trying to raise money, or a walk to find a cure…

Every member of B.L.O.G. will use the power of their passionate words to support those who work to improve our world.

Here are some examples.

Will you join me? I even made a big blue B.L.O.G. graphic as you can see at the top of this post! Make your own or use mine if you’d like! It’s all about a spirit of giving and doing things that are meaningful. Isn’t generosity what’s ultimately important in life, anyway?

Let’s make this world (and the internet) a better place!