Tag: downtown

Cool idea: San Diego Bay to Balboa Park Skyway!

Conceptual art displayed by County of San Diego Supervisor Ron Roberts at CityFest shows proposed aerial skyway from downtown to Balboa Park.
Conceptual art displayed by County of San Diego Supervisor Ron Roberts at CityFest shows proposed aerial skyway from downtown to Balboa Park.

I just got back from walking through CityFest in Hillcrest. Lots of cool pics are coming! But first, I saw some conceptual artwork being displayed by San Diego County Supervisor Ron Roberts that has renewed my enthusiasm for a proposed transportation project.

The proposal, which I read about months ago, is for an aerial tramway, or skyway, which would connect downtown San Diego to Balboa Park. It’s an idea that’s both visionary and practical!

San Diego is an extremely popular tourist destination. There are many great things to see, including beautiful, amazing, enormous Balboa Park. Balboa Park, over a mile (to its center) from downtown, is often said to be one of the two best urban parks in America, along with New York City’s Central Park. But there’s one problem. If you don’t have a rental car, you must reach it on foot, by rented bicycle, taxi, or by city or tour bus. For some tourists this might be impractical, too time consuming, or unappealing. A skyway linking downtown’s many hotels, attractions and convenient trolley network to Balboa Park, I believe, would be wildly successful.

Can you imagine all the folks who work in offices downtown, easily heading up to Balboa Park during lunchtime? Can you imagine how visually unique and appealing such a project, tastefully designed, might be? Forget a Ferris wheel or tower on the waterfront, I say. That’s been done elsewhere.  Let’s create something that’s both fun and extremely useful!

Living atop Cortez Hill, directly between downtown and Balboa Park, I can’t tell you how often I’ve given directions to lost San Diego visitors. They drive north only to reach a dead end at Tweet Street Park. They have to navigate confusing one way streets to find their way across Interstate 5, then figure out how to enter Balboa Park and locate a parking place. An aerial tram would help solve that problem, as well!

According to some literature I picked up from Ron Roberts, the San Diego Bay to Balboa Park Skyway, powered by a 500 horsepower electric engine, could carry up to 2400 people per hour.

The views of downtown, San Diego Bay and Balboa Park would be breathtaking.  The ride itself would almost certainly become one of San Diego’s top tourist attractions.

From what I’ve heard so far, the idea is awesome!

The cool San Diego Bay to Balboa Park Skyway would travel from the Gaslamp up Sixth Avenue, covering two miles in 12 minutes.
The cool San Diego Bay to Balboa Park Skyway would travel from the Gaslamp up Sixth Avenue, covering two miles in 12 minutes.

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Colorful neon words brighten downtown San Diego.

Cool neon sign in shop window of Centre City Sports Collectibles.
Cool neon sign in shop window of Centre City Sports Collectibles.

Over time I’ve collected these photos.  They’re just of colorful neon words that brighten downtown San Diego. I spot all sorts of neon signs during my walks, sometimes in daylight, sometimes at night. Glowing advertisements in windows, on building walls and marquees add life and character to the streets of any city. San Diego is no exception.

Neon words above downtown San Diego cafe door read Pastries Espresso Cappuccino.
Neon words above downtown San Diego cafe door read Pastries Espresso Cappuccino.
Fun neon adds pizzazz to marquee of Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop on Fifth Avenue.
Patterned neon adds pizzazz to marquee of Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop on Fifth Avenue.
Bub's near Petco Park has its brilliant red name in this window.
Bub’s near Petco Park has its brilliant red name in this window.
Bright neon in the distinctive Gaslamp Quarter landmark sign, which is well known to locals and tourists.
Neon in the distinctive Gaslamp Quarter landmark sign, which is instantly recognized by both locals and tourists.
Classic neon signage is often seen in pawn shop windows.
Classic neon signage is often seen in pawn shop windows.
The Golden West Hotel near Horton Plaza has a flashy neon sign above its main entrance.
The Golden West Hotel near Horton Plaza has a flashy neon sign above its main entrance.
Glowing neon Bail Bonds advertisement at this open-all-night Inmate Information Center.
Glowing neon Bail Bonds advertisement at this open-all-night Inmate Information Center.
Off the Wall Tattoos has an in the window neon sign.
Off the Wall Tattoos has an “in the window” neon sign.
Lots of super colorful neon at the San Diego Bike Shop on C Street.
Lots of super colorful neon at the San Diego Bike Shop on C Street.
Neon words and their reflections broken up by a security grill in front of one store.
Neon words and their reflections broken up by a security grill in front of one store.
Great Wall Express located on Broadway downtown has yummy Lousisiana Fried Chicken, as you can plainly see!
Great Wall Express located on Broadway downtown has yummy Louisiana Fried Chicken, as you can see! (Admittedly, I eat too much of it.)
Lucky's Lunch Counter has a unique sign that really stands out.
Lucky’s Lunch Counter has a unique sign that really stands out.
Crab Hut invites hungry passersby with its neon logo.
Crab Hut invites hungry passersby with its neon logo.
Eye-catching neon sign informs all who pass by that pizza, chicken wings and sandwiches are on the menu.
Eye-catching neon sign informs everyone that pizza, chicken wings and sandwiches are on the menu.
An ice cream cone creatively rendered using neon.
An awesome ice cream cone creatively rendered using neon.  Okay, I suppose this doesn’t count as a word.
This one quickly got my attention! I hope I have room after the fried chicken!
These words instantly got my attention! I hope I have room after all that fried chicken!

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The grand, extravagant Sheldon House in East Village.

The Sheldon House is a very cool sight at the corner of 13th and Island in San Diego's East Village.
The Sheldon House is a very cool sight at the corner of 13th and Island in San Diego’s East Village.

Like most cities, San Diego has its share of cool old houses. Here’s an example of one that’s located in downtown’s East Village neighborhood.

Standing at the corner of 13th Street and Island, the 1886 Sheldon House was designed by the famous architects Comstock and Trotsche, and is an amazing example of the flamboyant Queen Anne style. The grand, extravagant Victorian mansion was built for Dr. F. C. Sheldon and his family, and included a multiple-gabled roof, a large, elegant front porch, and stained glass features in every window. Unfortunately, the doctor died soon after the mansion’s construction. To support the large surviving family, his wife converted the home into a successful boarding house.

Lots of decorative details include an elaborate porch and stained glass crowning every window.
Lots of decorative details include an elaborate porch and stained glass crowning every window.
View of the sunlit Sheldon House from the east. A skeleton stands in one window!
View of the sunlit Sheldon House from the east. A skeleton stands in one window!
The 19th century Victorian mansion seen from the north, with modern residential buildings behind.
The 19th century Victorian mansion seen from the north, with modern residential buildings behind.

UPDATE!

Years later, I noticed this old photograph projected on a wall at the San Diego History Center. It is of the Sheldon Residence being moved by the Palmer Brother House Movers from 11th and D Streets to Island Street in 1913…

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Old train posters between Santa Fe Depot and MCASD.

Old poster highlights points of interest reached by past San Diego streetcar and railroad lines. Depicted are orange groves, Mexican bullfighting, an ocean liner and Balboa Park.
Old poster highlights points of interest reached by past San Diego streetcar and railroad lines. Depicted are orange groves, Mexican bullfighting, an ocean liner and Balboa Park.

When I catch the trolley at downtown San Diego’s Santa Fe Depot, I often walk through an outdoor passageway that separates the hundred year old train station’s enormous waiting room from it’s original baggage terminal. The latter building was converted years ago into an interesting space used by the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD).

Recently, while strolling through the passageway, I paused to examine three eye-catching graphics created by the museum to promote one of its current exhibitions. Two of the images incorporate old train posters from San Diego history, which I find to be very cool.  I thought you might enjoy a look!

MCASD’s exhibition titled “John D. Spreckels and The Impossible Railroad” concerns a railway project undertaken a century ago by one of San Diego’s most prominent entrepreneurs and benefactors.  Perhaps Spreckels’ greatest accomplishment was to complete the logistically difficult San Diego & Arizona Railroad, our nation’s southernmost transcontinental railroad route.  I haven’t visited the exhibition, but according to what I’ve read it utilizes interesting visual devices to demonstrate the near impossibility of building Spreckels’ railroad, which had to wind around and over deep mountain gorges.  (Spreckels was also responsible for a large network of electric streetcars which traversed San Diego decades before our modern day trolleys.)

Outdoor passage between the Santa Fe Depot and Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) downtown Jacobs Building, which used to be the historic train station's baggage terminal.
Outdoor passage between the Santa Fe Depot and the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego’s downtown Jacobs Building, which years ago was the train station’s baggage terminal.
John D. Spreckels and the Impossible Railroad is one of the current art exhibitions at MCASD.
John D. Spreckels and the Impossible Railroad is one of the current art exhibitions at MCASD.  These interesting promotional graphics also incorporate historical newspaper articles.
Old advertisement for the San Diego and Arizona Railway, the Carriso Gorge Route, which included possible destinations Chicago, New Orleans, Kansas City, El Paso, San Diego.
Old advertisement for the San Diego and Arizona Railway, called the Carriso Gorge Route, which included possible destinations Chicago, New Orleans, Kansas City, El Paso, San Diego.

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Another ordinary summer day on the Embarcadero.

A pleasure boat, two sailboats, one catamaran--everyone is out on glorious, blue San Diego Bay.
A pleasure boat, two sailboats, one catamaran–everyone is out on glorious, blue San Diego Bay.

Here are some photos taken today during my walk. Nothing too earth-shattering. Just sunshine, birds, people, water, boats, music, love, life . . . and Chewbacca, Tom Cruise and Captain Ahab. Ordinary stuff.

Gull takes flight near fishing pier at Embarcadero Marina Park South.
Gull takes flight near fishing pier at Embarcadero Marina Park South.
Folks relax as they listen to a small concert by a Seaport Village fountain.
Folks relax as they listen to a small concert by a Seaport Village fountain.
These talented kids playing classic rock tunes in Seaport Village form the band Gen-X!
These talented kids playing classic rock tunes in Seaport Village form the band Gen-X!
Chewbacca is hanging out with a Star Wars buddy near the USS Midway Museum.
Chewbacca is hanging out with a Star Wars buddy near the USS Midway Museum.
Looks like Tom Cruise has shore leave after landing his Top Gun fighter jet on that big aircraft carrier docked there behind him!
Looks like Tom Cruise has shore leave after landing his Top Gun fighter jet on that big aircraft carrier docked there behind him!
Two enjoy the sparkling water beside the Cruise Ship Terminal.
Two enjoy the sparkling water beside the Cruise Ship Terminal.
Students prepare to board the Star of India. A cool Moby Dick Marathon Reading is coming next weekend to San Diego's historic tall ship.
Students prepare to board the Star of India. A cool Moby Dick Marathon Reading is coming next weekend to San Diego’s historic tall ship.
Throwing a rope as Maritime Museum of San Diego's restored Swift Boat returns from a harbor cruise.
Throwing a rope as Maritime Museum of San Diego’s restored Swift Boat returns from a harbor cruise.

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The elegant, historic 1907 Jessop’s Street Clock.

The elegant Jessop's Street Clock stands like a vision from the past at the center of San Diego's popular Horton Plaza.
The elegant Jessop’s Street Clock stands like a vision from the past at the center of San Diego’s popular Horton Plaza.

San Diego’s top tourist attraction in 1907 wasn’t a zoo, a park, a popular building or location. It was an amazing clock. Word traveled far and wide about the elegant, beautiful, one-of-a-kind Jessop’s Street Clock, which debuted that year in downtown San Diego.  San Diego at the time was a very small town.  The large clock stood on the sidewalk in front of the J. Jessop and Sons jewelry store at 952 Fifth Avenue.

The idea for this street clock sprang from the imagination of Joseph Jessop, a jeweler who immigrated to America from England. He’d seen many beautiful public clocks in Europe. especially in Switzerland. Joseph hired mechanic Claude D. Ledger to build the complex clock, which took fifteen months of meticulous, precise work to complete. The fine clock has almost never stopped working. One memorable day the clock did mysteriously stop–the same day that Claude died.

The Jessop’s Street Clock was first displayed at the 1907 Sacramento State Fair, where it was awarded a gold medal. (The large medal of real gold was stolen, and so was the first bronze replacement!) Since then the clock has occupied several different spots in San Diego. The clock stands 22 feet tall and features 20 separate dials and 300 moving parts. It has an estimated worth of several million dollars. Much of the shining movement is gold-plated. The elegant clock contains tourmaline, agate, topaz and jade, local gems extracted from the Jessop Mine on Mount Palomar.

Today the historic clock occupies a prominent position near the center of Horton Plaza, where many shoppers breeze by with hardly a glance. I suppose very few people realize the importance of this clock, and how at one time, over a century ago, it was one of San Diego’s most well-known landmarks.

Shoppers walk past the beautiful Jessop Street Clock, a landmark in downtown San Diego for over a hundred years.
Shoppers walk past the beautiful Jessop’s Street Clock, a landmark in downtown San Diego for over a hundred years.
Intricate, exquisite gold-plated movement of the historic Jessop's Street Clock. The massive mechanism extends twelve feet down into the Horton Plaza parking garage!
Intricate, exquisite gold-plated movement of the historic Jessop’s Street Clock. The massive mechanism extends twelve feet down into the Horton Plaza parking garage!
J. Jessop and Sons jewelers created this amazing clock, which over a century ago was San Diego's top attraction!
J. Jessop and Sons jewelers created this amazing clock, which over a century ago was San Diego’s top attraction!
Thousands of hours have been spent over the decades maintaining, rehabilitating, moving and reconstructing the fine clock.
Thousands of hours have been spent over the decades maintaining, rehabilitating, moving and reconstructing the fine clock.
The Jessops Street Clock was exhibited at the 1907 Sacramento State Fair. This is a bronze replica of the gold medal awarded to the master clock. The clock is property of the Jessop family.
The Jessops Street Clock was exhibited at the 1907 Sacramento State Fair. This is a bronze replica of the gold medal awarded to the master clock. The clock is property of the Jessop family.
Base of the 1907 Jessop Clock in downtown's Horton Plaza shopping mall. Plaque indicates Historical Landmark No. 372, The City of San Diego.
Base of the 1907 Jessop Clock in downtown’s Horton Plaza shopping mall. Plaque indicates Historical Landmark No. 372, The City of San Diego.
Twelve dials on one face tell time in New York, London, Paris, Berlin, Milan, St. Petersburg, Calcutta, Capetown, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Melbourne, Mexico City.
Twelve dials on one face tell time in New York, London, Paris, Berlin, Milan, St. Petersburg, Calcutta, Capetown, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Melbourne, Mexico City.

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

Stunning white face stares from Petco Park across Harbor Drive. Nobody attending 2015 San Diego Comic-Con could possibly miss this!
Stunning white face stares from Petco Park across Harbor Drive. Nobody attending 2015 San Diego Comic-Con could possibly miss this advertisement!

Now just a bit over two days to go until 2015 San Diego Comic-Con officially opens!

I walked early and late yesterday around the convention center and Gaslamp. Workers were busy all over the place getting stuff ready.

For your enjoyment, I present another batch of photos showing all sorts of cool sights!

Once Upon a Time building wrap on Petco Park. Evil isn't born. It's made.
Once Upon a Time building wrap on Petco Park. Evil isn’t born. It’s made.
A local television news reporter stands near entrance to the Gaslamp, previewing 2015 Comic-Con on camera.
A local television reporter stands near entrance to the Gaslamp, previewing 2015 Comic-Con on camera for the evening news.
Is that legendary cartoonist and animator Chuck Jones? No. But it's his namesake gallery on Fifth Avenue, open and ready for fans of classic pop culture and cool art.
Is that legendary cartoonist and animator Chuck Jones? No. But it’s his namesake gallery on Fifth Avenue, open and ready for fans of classic pop culture and cool art.
Analog in the Gaslamp Quarter has a 20 percent discount on food for Comic-Con attendees with badge.
Analog in the Gaslamp Quarter has a 20 percent discount on food for Comic-Con attendees with badge.
More Analog fun . . . Cosplay Super Karaoke! I didn't know Han, Luke and Leia had formed a musical trio.
More Analog fun . . . Cosplay Super Karaoke! I didn’t know Han, Luke and Leia had formed a musical trio.
Half of a large wrap applied to Hard Rock Hotel building. Resembles the Ascension graphics from last year.
Half of a large wrap applied to Hard Rock Hotel building. Resembles the Ascension graphics from last year.
Other half of the cosmic, purple wrap. I see an asteroid field and spaceship.
Other half of the cosmic, purple wrap. I see an asteroid field and spaceship.
I see Lego Dimensions characters Superman, Batman and Gandalf in this graphic on the Hard Rock Hotel.
I see Lego Dimensions characters Superman, Batman and Gandalf in this graphic on the Hard Rock Hotel.
More Lego Dimensions images on the south side of the Hard Rock Hotel. You're gonna need a bigger imagination.
More Lego Dimensions images on the south side of the Hard Rock Hotel. You’re gonna need a bigger imagination.
The wrap on the west wall of Petco Park is finished. Vikings on the History Channel. May the Norse be with you!
The wrap on the west wall of Petco Park is finished. It promotes Vikings on the History Channel. May the Norse be with you!
The Ubisoft Assassin's Creed obstacle course is half-completed. It appears slightly different from last year.
The Ubisoft Assassin’s Creed obstacle course is half-completed. The configuration appears slightly different from last year.
Looks real. Or it is real, and those workers have super strength.
Looks realistic. Or is it real, and those workers have super strength?
Hannibal. Savor the Hunt. Creepy banners hung at the Gaslamp trolley station.
Hannibal. Savor the Hunt. Creepy banners hung at the Gaslamp trolley station.
The complex and interesting Heroes Reborn venue was being erected throughout the day Monday.
The complex and interesting Heroes Reborn venue was being erected throughout the day Monday.
As evening approached, guys were attaching some kind of black canopy to the steel structure.
As evening approached, guys were attaching some kind of black canopy to the steel structure.
Banners at Gaslamp trolley station promote Heroes Reborn, on NBC.
Banners at Gaslamp trolley station promote Heroes Reborn, on NBC.
The Tin Fish restaurant is decked out with NBC Blindspot graphics.
For 2015 the Tin Fish restaurant is decked out with NBC Blindspot graphics.
Behind the San Diego Convention Center, workers prepare a scary looking building, part of the FX Fearless Arena Experience.
Behind the San Diego Convention Center, workers prepare a scary looking building, part of the FX Fearless Arena Experience.
A second, larger building is also rising, across the grass of Hilton Bayfront Park.
A second, larger building is also rising, across the grass at Hilton Bayfront Park.
The Strain building wrap on the Hilton is nearing completion, two days before Comic-Con begins.
The Strain building wrap on the Hilton is nearing completion, a couple days before Comic-Con begins.
Another long structure is being set up nearby, and it appears there are many prop trees that go with it.
Another long structure is being set up nearby, and it appears there are many prop trees that go with it.
These smiling folks were heading along the bay walkway with a sign containing Comic-Con shuttle information.
These smiling folks were heading along the bay walkway with a sign containing Comic-Con shuttle information.
Lastly, Adult Swim is hosting a huge play area behind the convention center.
Lastly, Adult Swim is hosting a huge play area behind the convention center.
Here's a bunch of colorful stuff that must be unpacked and set up before 2015 San Diego Comic-Con begins on Thursday.
Here’s a bunch of colorful stuff that must be unpacked and set up before 2015 San Diego Comic-Con begins on Thursday.
Looks like a life-size version of Rick and Morty's flying saucer!
Looks like a life-size version of Rick and Morty’s flying saucer!

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Photos of San Diego Comic-Con preparation: 4 days to go!

Distinctive San Diego Comic-Con International sign is hung on convention center for the 2015 pop culture mega-event.
Distinctive San Diego Comic-Con International logo is hung on convention center for the 2015 pop culture mega-event.

Wow! This morning I saw that preparation for Comic-Con has pushed into high gear! 2015 San Diego Comic-Con comes very shortly after the Fourth of July, so as soon as the fireworks ended, workers have come out in droves to erect outdoor venues and complete a large number of impressive building wraps. There still isn’t much to see in the Gaslamp, where restaurants, bars and shops have been concentrating on drawing Independence Day crowds. I guess in the next day or two that will rapidly change!

Everywhere around the San Diego Convention Center there's activity. Tents are being sent up to shelter Comic-Con attendees who will wait in long lines.
Everywhere around the San Diego Convention Center there’s activity. Tents are being set up to shelter Comic-Con attendees who will wait in long lines.
Party rental workers hustle to get everything ready for 2015 San Diego Comic-Con, shortly after the Fourth of July.
Party rental workers hustle to get everything ready for 2015 San Diego Comic-Con, shortly after the Fourth of July.
The Last Ship building wrap on the Marriott hotel is finally finished several days before Comic-Con opens.
The Last Ship building wrap on the Marriott hotel is finally finished several days before Comic-Con opens.
Ubisoft is returning this year with the popular Assassin's Creed obstacle course. It's under construction at the same spot as last year.
Ubisoft is returning this year with the popular Assassin’s Creed obstacle course. It’s under construction at the same spot as last year.
Conan O'Brien building wrap is visible beyond crane erecting framework of Assassin's Creed obstacle course.
Conan O’Brien building wrap is visible beyond crane erecting framework of Assassin’s Creed obstacle course.
According to what I read, Gaslamp Square in front of the Tin Fish restaurant will be the scene of NBC's Heroes Reborn, where visitors will discover their own pyro-kinetic ability.
According to what I read, Gaslamp Square in front of the Tin Fish restaurant will be the scene of NBC’s Heroes Reborn, where visitors will discover their own pyro-kinetic ability!
Guys build steel structure near entrance to the Gaslamp Quarter, the hub of Comic-Con activity.
Guys build steel structure near entrance to the Gaslamp Quarter, the hub of Comic-Con activity.
NBC's Heroes Reborn cool venue for Comic-Con fans is rapidly under construction.
NBC’s Heroes Reborn elaborate venue for Comic-Con fans is under construction on July 5.
The Strain building wrap on the Hilton Bayfront is making great progress since I posted a photo two days ago.
The huge The Strain building wrap on the Hilton Bayfront is making great progress since I posted a photo two days ago.
FX Fearless Arena is being built in the Hilton Bayfront Park. Attractions will include The Strain, American Horror Story Hotel, The Simpsons, Fargo, and The Bastard Executioner.
FX Fearless Arena is being built in the Hilton Bayfront Park. Attractions will include The Strain, American Horror Story: Hotel, The Simpsons, Fargo, and The Bastard Executioner.
There's going to be more cool stuff than ever at 2015 San Diego Comic-Con!
There’s going to be more cool stuff than ever at 2015 San Diego Comic-Con!
Another section of the FX Fearless Arena under construction, with a big Minority Report banner in the background.
Another section of the FX Fearless Arena under construction, with a big Minority Report banner in the background.
Close up photo of Minority Report image on the Hilton parking garage.
Close up photo of Minority Report image on the Hilton parking garage.
Once Upon a Time returns this year. A huge wrap is being applied on a high section of Petco Park even now as I type!
Once Upon a Time returns this year. A huge wrap is being applied on a high section of Petco Park even now as I type!
It appears Petco Park will be the site of Galactic Army Boot Camp!
It appears Petco Park will be the site of Galactic Army Boot Camp!
Who will be in booth 437. Answer that, and we'll know what this wrap is on the west side of Petco Park, beside Tony Gwynn Drive.
Who will be in booth 437? Answer that, and we’ll know what this wrap is advertising on the west wall of Petco Park, beside Tony Gwynn Drive.
And, finally, I love this huge wrap on Petco Park, facing the convention center. It's The Muppets! Yeah!
And, finally, I love this huge wrap on Petco Park, facing the convention center. It’s The Muppets! Yeah!

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Photos of San Diego Comic-Con preparation: 6 days to go!

A new San Diego Comic-Con building wrap going up on Hilton Bayfront today is a bit of a mystery.
A huge new San Diego Comic-Con building wrap going up on the Hilton Bayfront today is a bit of a mystery.

Less than six days to go until 2015 San Diego Comic-Con kicks off!

I walked all around downtown today, looking for signs of preparation. Nothing much has popped up in the Gaslamp yet, but a brand new huge building wrap is now being installed on the Hilton Bayfront near the San Diego Convention Center. After talking to some people, I’ve concluded the wrap will promote The Strain on FX. This would make sense, as the large grassy area in front of the Hilton will be the site of FX’s cool-sounding Fearless Arena Experience.

Stay tuned for more pics of Comic-Con stuff!

Baristas at hotel's Starbucks and a tourist info guy in the Hilton seem to think this graphic will promote The Strain on FX.
Baristas at hotel’s Starbucks and a tourist info guy in the Hilton seem to think this graphic will promote The Strain on FX.
Several Game of Thrones banners were hung on trolley track fences near the Gaslamp a few days ago.
Several Game of Thrones banners were hung on trolley track fences near the Gaslamp a few days ago.
Game of Thrones banners on trolley electrical poles along Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade in San Diego.
Game of Thrones banners on trolley electrical poles along Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade in San Diego.
The huge Conan Live from Comic-Con wrap on the Marriott Marquis is nearly finished.
The huge Conan Live from Comic-Con wrap on the Marriott Marquis is nearly finished.
Swirl Girl has amazing rainbow powers of sweetness, it seems. She appears on the door of Sweet Things Frozen Yogurt.
Swirl Girl has amazing rainbow powers of sweetness, it seems. She appears on the door of Sweet Things Frozen Yogurt.
San Diego Symphony ticket booth at Embarcadero Marina Park South advertises the upcoming Pokeman and Star Trek movie Summer Pops concerts.
San Diego Symphony ticket booth at Embarcadero Marina Park South advertises the upcoming Pokeman and Star Trek movie Summer Pops concerts.
The American Comedy Co. in the Gaslamp has a funny lineup set for Comic-Con, including Jay and Silent Bob.
The American Comedy Co. in the Gaslamp has a funny lineup set for Comic-Con, including Jay and Silent Bob.
Crown Books in Horton Plaza is where you can buy Chewbacca at a nice discount!
Crown Books in Horton Plaza is where you can buy Chewbacca at a nice discount!

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Rumor: Conan O’Brien to be superhero at Conan-Con.

Conan O'Brien Live at 2015 San Diego Comic-Con, advertised on marquee of the Spreckels Theater Building in downtown San Diego.
Conan O’Brien Live at 2015 San Diego Comic-Con, advertised on marquee of the Spreckels Theater Building in downtown San Diego.

With this important blog post I’d like to address an astonishing rumor.  It concerns popular television personality Conan O’Brien, and his impending visit to San Diego for 2015 Comic-Con.  An interpretation of the strange clues and suggestive images photographed on the sign below has produced a startling rumor.

It's rumored that Conan O'Brien, who now possesses vast powers, will once again boldly address The People of Earth from this bus stop next to the NBC building.
It’s rumored that Conan O’Brien, who now possesses vast powers, will once again boldly address The People of Earth from this bus stop strategically located next to the NBC building.
Upon closer inspection, the orange bus stop sign appears to contain fascinating and possibly meaningful markings.
Upon closer inspection, the orange bus stop sign appears to contain fascinating and possibly meaningful markings.
Conan, it is rumored, will emerge at the San Diego Comic-Con as a full fledged superhero, battling for the justice of all humankind.
Conan, it is thought, will emerge at the San Diego Comic-Con as a full fledged superhero, battling for the justice of all humankind.
Fans have begun to wonder what form the nascent superhero will assume. Perhaps he'll resemble a bat.
Fans have begun to wonder what form the nascent superhero will assume. Perhaps he’ll resemble a bat.
Or perhaps Conan O'Brien will wear a Superman-style emblem that warns all villains of his heightened powers, which include flaming hair.
Or perhaps Conan O’Brien will wear a Superman-style emblem that warns all troublemakers of his amazing superpowers, which include flaming hair.
Odds are he'll style himself as Conanman, as that's generally the thing a godlike superhero will do when presented with the opportunity. Please disregard the word immediately below.
Odds are he’ll style himself as Conanman, as that’s generally the thing a godlike superhero will do when presented with the opportunity.
All shall bow down before him. And San Diego Comic-Con, to loud acclamation, will immediately be renamed Conan-Con.
All shall bow down before him. And San Diego Comic-Con, to loud and universal acclamation, will immediately be renamed Conan-Con.
Hopefully the newborn superhero won't suffer a meltdown.
Hopefully the newborn superhero won’t suffer a meltdown.
Or perhaps he'll just remain plain old Conan. And remain happily on TBS.
Or perhaps he’ll just remain plain old funny Conan. And remain happily on TBS.

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