Tag: downtown

Talking Baseball during the All-Star Game in San Diego!

One brief moment in a 63 second video that relives MLB All-Star Game history, seen in the San Diego library's auditorium during the Talking Baseball event!
One brief moment in a 63 second video that relives MLB All-Star Game history, seen in the San Diego library’s auditorium during today’s special “Talking Baseball” event!

A very cool event was held today, Saturday, at downtown San Diego’s beautiful Central Library! “Talking Baseball” was the title an all-day program held in the Neil Morgan Auditorium, and featured diverse speakers and entertainers celebrating baseball and its rich history. Speakers included Bob Kendrick, Negro League Baseball Museum president and Gene Locklear, former Padres outfielder, who talked about his life as a Native American professional baseball player.

Talking Baseball was organized by Andy Strasberg, who served for twenty years as the Padres baseball team’s Vice President of Marketing. This cool event was held in conjunction with Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game Week, which is taking place right here and now in San Diego!

I lingered and enjoyed the programming for about an hour and a half. I listened to the hilarious and heart-warming tunes of San Diego baseball singer/songwriter Joe Rathburn, then watched a rarely seen 63 second video that was shown on the scoreboard during the 1992 All-Star Game in San Diego. Every second represented one year of 63 All-Star Games. This was the first time the video has been seen in 26 years! Finally, I watched with amazement as former Yankees catcher Matt Nokes narrated a film that showed every pitch of Jim Abbott’s 1993 Yankees no-hitter against the Cleveland Indians. Now that was inspirational . . . and just plain exciting! That was easily the highlight of my day!

Here are a few captioned photographs that provide a taste of this very cool event. Some photos, taken in the dark auditorium, came out a bit blurry.

Talking Baseball was a special event programmed in conjunction with the Major League Baseball All-Star Game in San Diego this year. It was held in the downtown library.
Talking Baseball was a special event programmed to coincide with the Major League Baseball All-Star Game in San Diego this year. It was held in the downtown library.
Just before stepping into the Neil Morgan Auditorium visitors are greeted with lots of professional baseball memorabilia!
Just before stepping into the Neil Morgan Auditorium, visitors are greeted with lots of cool posters and professional baseball memorabilia!
A huge collection of baseball memorabilia on display was courtesy of Andy Strasberg, who was once Vice President of Marketing for the San Diego Padres.
A huge collection of baseball memorabilia on display was courtesy of Andy Strasberg, who was once Vice President of Marketing for the San Diego Padres.
There were so many cool baseball sights to absorb! Displayed were old magazines, autographed baseballs, pennants, souvenir bats--you name it.
There were so many cool baseball sights to absorb! Displayed were old magazines, programs, autographed baseballs, pennants, baseball cards, souvenir bats–you name it.
Collectibles remember New York Yankee Sparky Lyle and San Diego's own Wizard of Oz shortstop, Ozzie Smith!
Collectibles remember New York Yankee reliever Sparky Lyle and San Diego’s own superhuman Wizard of Oz shortstop, Ozzie Smith!
Cool old team photograph of the 1952 San Diego Padres, with the players' names and autographs!
Cool old team photograph of the 1952 San Diego Padres, with the players’ names and autographs!
San Diego's gifted baseball musician and songwriter Joe Rathburn. His lyrics are really good and touch a warm spot in the heart.
San Diego’s gifted baseball musician and songwriter Joe Rathburn performs. His lyrics are really good and touch a warm spot in the heart.
Next, a 63 second video that was last played at the 1992 All-Star Game shows the history of the Midsummer Classic. One second equals one year!
Next, a 63 second video that was last played at the 1992 All-Star Game shows the history of the Midsummer Classic. One second equals one year!
Matt Nokes, former catcher for the New York Yankees, narrates a special video which documents--pitch by pitch-- Jim Abbott's 1993 Yankees no-hitter against the Cleveland Indians.
Matt Nokes, former catcher for the New York Yankees, narrates a special video which documents–pitch by pitch– Jim Abbott’s 1993 Yankees no-hitter against the Cleveland Indians.
Jim Abbott was born in 1967 without a right hand. That didn't stop him from becoming an accomplished professional baseball pitcher. He spent 10 years in the major leagues.
Jim Abbott was born in 1967 without a right hand. That didn’t stop him from becoming an accomplished professional baseball pitcher. He spent 10 years in the major leagues.
Suspense builds as pitch by pitch, inning by inning, Jim Abbott works his way brilliantly (with some sparkling Yankees defense) toward a rare no-hitter.
Suspense builds as pitch by pitch, inning by inning, Jim Abbott works his way brilliantly (with some sparkling Yankees defense) toward a rare no-hitter.
The amazing no-hitter is achieved! Jim Abbott's teammates swarm around the triumphant pitcher with excitement. At the time, this was only the Yankees' 8th ever no-hitter.
The amazing no-hitter is achieved! Jim Abbott’s teammates swarm around the triumphant pitcher with excitement. At the time, this was only the Yankees’ 8th ever no-hitter.
Jim Abbott overcomes a difficult physical challenge and great odds, adding his name to a list of baseball's immortals. Today he is a motivational speaker.
Jim Abbott overcomes a difficult physical challenge and great odds, adding his name to a list of baseball’s immortals. Today he is a motivational speaker.

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A new MLB All-Star Game building wrap and more!

A huge MLB All-Star Game building wrap has appeared on the Marriott Marquis hotel in downtown San Diego! Promoted is the sports talk show on FS1 called Speak For Yourself, with Colin Cowherd and Jason Whitlock.
A huge MLB All-Star Game building wrap has appeared on the Marriott Marquis hotel in downtown San Diego! Promoted is the sports talk show on FS1 called Speak For Yourself, with Colin Cowherd and Jason Whitlock.

Preparation for the Major League All-Star Game in San Diego is picking up steam around Petco Park. I was excited during my walk around downtown to see a brand new building wrap on the Marriott Marquis waterfront hotel. It must have gone up almost overnight! It promotes a talk show on FS1 called Speak For Yourself, with Colin Cowherd and Jason Whitlock. As I walked around Petco Park and around the San Diego Convention Center, I spotted a number of other cool sights! Check them out!

Major League Baseball All-Star Game banners line Harbor Drive, near Petco Park. These now appear all over downtown San Diego, temporarily replacing the Doctor Strange Comic-Con banners.
Major League Baseball All-Star Game banners line Harbor Drive, near Petco Park. These now appear all over downtown San Diego, temporarily replacing the Doctor Strange Comic-Con banners.
All-Star Game sign not far from the grass where a special MLB outdoor event will begin Thursday, called PLAY BALL PARK, which will entice youth to have fun playing baseball. Inside the Hilton San Diego Bayfront is the Fox Sports Grill, which should also be a hub of activity during All-Star Game weekend.
All-Star Game sign not far from the grass where a special MLB outdoor event will begin Thursday, called PLAY BALL PARK.  The multi-day event will entice youth to have fun playing baseball. Inside the Hilton San Diego Bayfront is the Fox Sports Grill, which should also be a hub of activity during All-Star Game weekend.
Another photo of the huge Speak For Yourself building wrap on the Marriott Marquis, right next to the San Diego Convention Center with its colorful umbrellas.
Another photo of the huge Speak For Yourself building wrap on the Marriott Marquis, just beyond the San Diego Convention Center with its blue umbrellas.
MLB All-Star Game banners along the Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade and the Green Line of the San Diego Trolley. The big game is Tuesday, July 12, on FOX, but there will be many other cool events all weekend leading up to the big game.
MLB All-Star Summer banners along the Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade and the Green Line of the San Diego Trolley. The big game is Tuesday, July 12, on FOX, but there will be many other cool events all weekend leading up to the big game.
Here's a banner in the Gaslamp Quarter that advertises the All-Star Red Carpet Show! I'll be there and share photos!
Here’s a banner in the Gaslamp Quarter that advertises the All-Star Red Carpet Show! I’ll be there and share photos if I’m lucky!
A bonus pic. Padres faithful hope to sweep the Yankees today. This is my first photo of the outside of the new Padres Hall of Fame, which plays tribute to Padres history and its most notable players.
A bonus pic. Padres faithful hope to sweep the Yankees today. This is my first photo of the outside of the new Padres Hall of Fame, which plays tribute to Padres history and its most notable players.
And one more bonus pic from today's walk! An MCRD San Diego drill instructor keeps a steady eye on new Marine Corps recruits filing in to watch a Sunday Padres game, a proud tradition San Diego.
And one more bonus pic from today’s walk! An MCRD San Diego drill instructor keeps a steady eye on new Marine Corps recruits filing in to watch a Sunday Padres game, a proud tradition San Diego.
The countdown clock in back of the Padres scoreboard keeps on ticking down the seconds--now only 9 days until the Major League Baseball All-Star Game!
The countdown clock in back of the Padres scoreboard keeps on ticking down the seconds.  It’s now only 9 days until the Major League Baseball All-Star Game!

UPDATE!

Here are two pics I took on July 7 . . .

All-Star Game sign above the entrance to San Diego's historic Santa Fe Depot.
All-Star Game sign above the entrance to San Diego’s historic Santa Fe Depot.
A large banner on the San Diego County Administration Building celebrates All-Star Week in 2016.
A large banner on the San Diego County Administration Building celebrates All-Star Week in 2016.

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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!

Stay tuned for fun photos of All-Star Game events, then of San Diego Comic-Con the following week!

Portraits of political and domestic violence survivors.

People walk through the breezeway between MCASD and the Santa Fe Depot. Three large portraits address the theme of political and domestic violence.
People walk through the breezeway between MCASD and the Santa Fe Depot. Three large portraits address the theme of political and domestic violence.

Unusual, thought-provoking works of art are currently on public display in the outdoor breezeway between the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego and the Santa Fe Depot. I happened to see them the other day while walking through downtown to catch the trolley.

Close family members who have survived domestic and political violence appear in three large photographic portraits. The photos have been boldly augmented with paint to highlight human resilience and courage. According to a nearby description, these works are part of the FOCUS Binational Exhibition and were created by MCASD’s Teen Advisory Group. The artwork reflects an exploration of strategies for coping with violence and trauma.

This thought-provoking work of art suggests an older gentleman has a complex, deeply personal story to be told.
This thought-provoking work of art suggests an older gentleman has a complex, deeply personal story to be told.
A proud portrait augmented with laurels suggests one woman's story ends in triumph.
A proud portrait augmented with laurels suggests one woman’s story ends in triumph.
An arresting work of art glimpsed in downtown San Diego near the Santa Fe Depot. A strong woman rises from the turbulent ocean. Part of MCASD's FOCUS Binational Exhibition.
An arresting work of art glimpsed in downtown San Diego near the Santa Fe Depot. A strong woman rises from the turbulent ocean. Part of MCASD’s FOCUS Binational Exhibition.

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Signs the 2016 MLB All-Star Game is almost here!

Workers plants fresh new flowers around Petco Park in preparation for the fast approaching 2016 Major League Baseball All-Star Game.
Workers plant fresh new flowers around Petco Park in preparation for the fast approaching 2016 Major League Baseball All-Star Game.

Preparation for the 2016 Major League Baseball All-Star Game has gone into high gear in San Diego!

During my walks the past few days, I’ve deliberately wandered past Petco Park, watching workers beautify and modify the stadium for the upcoming Midsummer Classic. I’ve also noted that signs of the All-Star Game have begun to spring up all around San Diego, as you can see in these photos!

Construction along the walkway behind left field's videoboard. San Diego's Petco Park is being readied for baseball's Midsummer Classic.
Construction along the walkway behind left field’s videoboard. San Diego’s Petco Park is being readied for baseball’s Midsummer Classic.
The grass in the Park at the Park is becoming lush and green. The statue of beloved Mr. Padre, Tony Gwynn, will have a great view of fans enjoying the 2016 All-Star game.
The grass in the Park at the Park is becoming lush and green. The statue of beloved Mr. Padre, Tony Gwynn, will have a great view of fans enjoying the 2016 All-Star game.
While they might be taking a break in this photo, the grounds crew appears to have been busy. The ball field is looking beautiful.
The Petco Park grounds crew has been busy. The field is looking just about perfect.
All-Star Game posters and advertisements have begun to appear in windows around Petco Park and San Diego.
All-Star Game posters and advertisements have begun to appear in windows around Petco Park and San Diego.
2016 MLB All-Star Game merchandise is now available in stores all over San Diego, especially in the Gaslamp Quarter.
2016 MLB All-Star Game merchandise is now available in stores all over San Diego, especially in the Gaslamp Quarter.
Some wacky cartoon art in the Gaslamp's famous Chuck Jones Gallery. A baseball game is being played by favorite animated characters, including Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck!
Some wacky cartoon art inside the window of the Gaslamp’s famous Chuck Jones Gallery. A baseball game is being played by favorite animated characters, including Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck!
The Western Metal Supply Company building, a historic part of Petco Park, now appears ready to go for the All-Star Game--a little over two weeks away!
The Western Metal Supply Company building, a historic part of Petco Park, appears ready to go for the All-Star Game–now a little over two weeks away!
An impressive 2016 All-Star Game logo on steps leading up into Petco Park. Fans heading to the big game will be welcomed in a big way!
An impressive 2016 All-Star Game logo on steps leading up into Petco Park. Fans heading to the big game will be welcomed in a big way!

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

New mural in San Diego extols humility, nobility.

A new mural in downtown San Diego contains great wisdom, extolling two human values. Be humble. Be noble.
A new mural in downtown San Diego contains great wisdom, extolling two human values. Be humble. Be noble.

A new street mural in downtown San Diego is being completed even as I post this! It’s being painted on a large parking lot wall just south of C Street, between Front Street and 1st Avenue. Check it out!

The artist, Trek Thunder Kelly, who operates out of Venice Beach, California, is known for creating unique designs that mix oddly contrasting messages and images. The cool mural that he’s working on at this very moment is sponsored by the internet retail company Zappos, and it extols one of their stated core values: humility. I couldn’t help but notice the quote highlights another important human virtue: nobility.

Be humble. You are made of earth.
Be noble. You are made of stars.

These powerful true words come from a Serbian proverb.

When I spoke to Trek, it sounded like he’d paint some of the stars with glow-in-the-dark phosphorescent paint. At this point he has a limited supply, so it will have to be artistically applied. I can’t wait to see the completed artwork!

Be humble. You are made of earth. Be noble. You are made of stars.
Be humble. You are made of earth. Be noble. You are made of stars.

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

To read a few philosophical short stories, click Short Stories by Richard.

More signs that San Diego Comic-Con is approaching!

2016 San Diego Comic-Con will bring fans a new version of the familiar Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. trolley wrap. This year, the design features a burning chain!
2016 San Diego Comic-Con will bring fans a new version of the familiar Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. trolley wrap. This year, the design features a burning chain! Ghost Rider, perhaps?

We’re still a month away from 2016 San Diego Comic-Con, but a few signs of its approach keep popping up. Today I got some more photos. Most notably, I got pics of another completely new Comic-Con trolley wrap for this year. It appears a bit like the familiar Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. design that fans have seen in the past, but this time the bold graphics includes a fiery burning chain!

I also got pics that show what the San Diego Symphony will be up to this year. Check out the photos to see for yourself!

Another older model San Diego trolley car has been wrapped with the new Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. graphics, for the upcoming 2016 Comic-Con. I've seen several of these cars in the past few days!
Another older model San Diego trolley car has been wrapped with the new Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. graphics, for the upcoming 2016 Comic-Con. I’ve seen several of these cars in the past few days!
Now that San Diego Startup Week is over, the Doctor Strange street lamp banners have been hung throughout downtown--in the Gaslamp, by the convention center, along Broadway and the Embarcadero.
Now that San Diego Startup Week is over, the Doctor Strange street lamp banners have been hung throughout downtown–in the Gaslamp, by the convention center, along Broadway, and along the Embarcadero.
Many shops in the Gaslamp and Horton Plaza have placed pop culture and superhero gear in their windows, in anticipation of Comic-Con.
Many shops in the Gaslamp Quarter and Horton Plaza have placed pop culture and superhero gear in their windows, in anticipation of Comic-Con.
Even the street artists are getting ready. A kid was having fun posing by this Incredible Hulk art!
Even the street artists are getting ready. A kid was having fun near the USS Midway posing by this Incredible Hulk art!
The San Diego Symphony has nearly finished erecting the stage for their outdoor summer concerts. The portable box office advertises two Comic-Con performances.
The San Diego Symphony has nearly finished erecting the stage for their outdoor summer concerts. The portable box office advertises two special performances during Comic-Con.
There will be two cool performances for Comic-Con by the San Diego Symphony at the Jacobs Music Center. Final Symphony, music from Final Fantasy games, and The Legend of Zelda on the following night.
During Comic-Con, there will be two performances by the San Diego Symphony at the Jacobs Music Center. Final Symphony includes music from several Final Fantasy video games; music from The Legend of Zelda will be featured the following evening.

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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 of photos for you to enjoy–including hundreds from past San Diego Comic-Cons!

Carved stone Chinese lions unveiled in San Diego!

Founder of the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum, Dr. Alexander Chuang, prepares one of two stone lions for their unveiling ceremony.
Founder of the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum, Dr. Alexander Chuang, prepares one of two stone lions for their unveiling ceremony.

This morning a ceremony was held in front of the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum. Two large stone lions were unveiled at the intersection of J Street and Third Avenue. That’s in the very heart of downtown’s Asian Pacific Historic District.

I missed the unveiling, because I had a long-reserved ticket for another nearby event which took place at the exact same time. But I did get photos of the two amazing sculptures being prepared!

The founder of the Chinese Historical Museum, Dr. Alexander Chuang, had the two beautiful lions made in China then brought to the City of San Diego. It was a generous gift and a wonderful addition to our diverse city. I was told Dr. Chuang spent 7 or 8 years on this project. The lions are carved from stone taken from Mount Tai, which is said to be the holiest mountain in China. Now I have yet another reason to look forward to walks through this fascinating part of downtown San Diego!

I briefly spoke to Dr. Alexander Chuang while he prepared the statues, and to other members of the museum. They were so very gracious! One day I’ll venture into the museum–it’s on my list of things to do. When I do, I’ll definitely share the experience.

Plaque describes pair of large stone lions made of granite from Mount Tai, considered the holiest mountain in China. They will be a landmark of the Asian Pacific Historic District of San Diego.
Plaque describes pair of large stone lions made of granite from Mount Tai, considered the holiest mountain in China. They will be a landmark of the Asian Pacific Historic District of San Diego.
Final preparations are made about an hour before the unveiling. I got a sneak peek just by walking around with my camera!
Final preparations are made about an hour before the unveiling. I got a sneak peek just by walking around with my camera!
Members of the Chinese Historical Museum drape one of the two stone lions. I got my early photos just in time!
Members of the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum drape one of the two stone lions. I got my early photos just in time!
On the opposite side of the street, the second lion stands guard. Another very cool sight has been added to the city of San Diego!
On the opposite side of Third Avenue, the second lion stands guard. Another very cool sight has been added to the city of San Diego!

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

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!

Public art “Tide” rises in plaza by Marriott Marquis!

Construction workers carefully install new public art near the Marriott Marquis hotel's conference center. The colorful pylons are part of a sculptural creation titled Tide.
Construction workers carefully install new public art near the Marriott Marquis hotel’s recently completed conference center. These colorful vertical posts are part of a sculptural creation titled Tide.

Look at one of the cool things I stumbled upon during my walk around downtown San Diego this morning!  New colorful public art is being installed in the plaza by the Marriott Marquis hotel’s new conference center! The bright, imaginative sculpture is titled “Tide”. You can see why in these photos. Looks to me like sunlight reflected from rolling water, creating a bright spectrum of rising colors! I can’t wait to see this piece finished!

I spoke for a moment to the artwork’s two creators: Katie MacDonald and Kyle Schumann of After Architecture. The friendly designers work out of Boston, Massachusetts and have created all sorts of cool stuff that can be enjoyed in public spaces around the country!

(There’s even more to come from a truly awesome morning adventure…)

The creators of "Tide" smile! That's Kyle Schumann and Katie MacDonald of After Architecture.
The creators of “Tide” smile! That’s Kyle Schumann and Katie MacDonald of After Architecture.
Looking along the wavy length of the colorful tide. The art seems to undulate like water.
Looking along the wavy length of the colorful tide. The public art seems to undulate like water.
A big crane lifts sections of the artwork into position on a sunny Saturday morning in San Diego. The Marriott Marquis' brand new conference center shines in the background.
A big crane lifts sections of the artwork into position on a sunny Saturday morning in San Diego. The Marriott Marquis’ brand new conference center shines in the background.
The artists supervise the installation of their monumental art. It will be finished just in time for San Diego Comic-Con next month.
The artists supervise the installation of their monumental art. It will be finished just in time for San Diego Comic-Con next month.
San Diego continues to grow more interesting and beautiful as public art is installed near the waterfront!
San Diego continues to grow more interesting and beautiful as public art is installed near the waterfront!

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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!

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.

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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