Tag: entertainment

Black life and civil rights in Southern California.

Barbershop, Los Angeles, 1956, Harry Adams. Photographer Harry Adams stands with a young woman in front of his barbershop.
Barbershop, Los Angeles, 1956, Harry Adams. Photographer Harry Adams stands with a young woman in front of his barbershop.

A powerful exhibition recently opened at the San Diego Museum of Art. Black Life: Images of Resistance and Resilience in Southern California features photographs of politicians, activists, athletes and entertainers from the African American community during the second half of the 20th century, a period of struggle to advance civil rights.

Photographers Harry Adams, Guy Crowder and Charles Williams, who worked primarily as freelancers for publications like the Los Angeles Sentinel, California Eagle and Los Angeles Times, recorded people and moments in a community that was rarely covered by the American media. Their photography is natural, emotional and absolutely authentic. As you will see, many of their images are iconic.

Black Life: Images of Resistance and Resilience in Southern California documents important history in the life of our region. The exhibition can be viewed in the San Diego Museum of Art’s free Gallery 14/15, which is located through an unlocked door beside the outdoor sculpture court and Panama 66.

What you see here is just a small fraction of the many photographs on display.

Child Holding Book, Los Angeles, 1983, Guy Crowder.
Child Holding Book, Los Angeles, 1983, Guy Crowder.
Muhammad Ali and Stokely Carmichael, Los Angeles, 1974, Guy Crowder. Carmichael is known for coining the term Black Power in 1966.
Muhammad Ali and Stokely Carmichael, Los Angeles, 1974, Guy Crowder. Carmichael is known for coining the term Black Power in 1966.
Marrie Burnett, Los Angeles, 1982, Guy Crowder.
Marrie Burnett, Los Angeles, 1982, Guy Crowder.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at Second Baptist Church, Los Angeles, 1958, Harry Adams.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at Second Baptist Church, Los Angeles, 1958, Harry Adams.
Baldwin School Integration, Los Angeles, 1962, Charles Williams. The NAACP campaigned to promote school integration.
Baldwin School Integration, Los Angeles, 1962, Charles Williams. The NAACP campaigned to promote school integration.
Protest Car, Los Angeles, 1962, Harry Adams.
Protest Car, Los Angeles, 1962, Harry Adams.
Harry Belafonte and Dorothy Dandridge, stars of Carmen Jones, 1954, Charles Williams.
Harry Belafonte and Dorothy Dandridge, stars of Carmen Jones, 1954, Charles Williams.
Diana Ross and Michael Jackson, Los Angeles, 1969, Guy Crowder.
Diana Ross and Michael Jackson, Los Angeles, 1969, Guy Crowder.
Dream Girls Cast, Los Angeles, 1983, Guy Crowder.
Dream Girls Cast, Los Angeles, 1983, Guy Crowder.

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

Folk dance and smiles at House of Ukraine!

Balboa Park’s House of Ukraine had their lawn program today at the International Cottages.

I don’t know a whole lot about the culture and history of Ukraine, but I could see one thing very clearly. The Ukrainian love for food, uplifting song, bright colorful costumes and folk dance shows an enduring, passionate love of life.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! 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 photos for you to enjoy!

Photo memories of summers in San Diego.

Another summer is flying by. It’s almost Labor Day weekend.

I thought it might be fun to revisit photos from past summers in sunny San Diego.

Click the following links!

2014

2014 Over The Line (OTL) World Championship!

More tall ships and fun at 2014 Festival of Sail!

Dog athletes surf big waves at Imperial Beach!

2015

Photos of art come to life at CityFest in Hillcrest.

Photos of cool sand sculptures at Sun and Sea Festival!

Cool photos of fun, funky Ocean Beach Street Fair!

Lots of photos from Coronado’s Fourth of July parade!

Celebrating San Diego history at Festival of the Bells.

Photos of good times at Chula Vista’s HarborFest!

2016

Cool photos: OB Pier celebrates 50th anniversary!

Fun photos: Old Town San Diego’s Fourth of July!

Taking flight at the Torrey Pines Gliderport!

2018

A taste of the Lemon Festival in Chula Vista!

Trevor Time returns to Petco Park!

Action photos from Labor Day weekend stickball!

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The promise of musical power.

Tomorrow evening’s San Diego International Organ Festival’s concert is going to be awesome. I heard part of the rehearsal today.

The majestic Spreckels Organ accompanied by beautifully played string instruments is too emotionally powerful for words.

Starting at 7:30 pm on Monday, August 26, at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, San Diego Civic Organist Raúl Prieto Ramírez will be joined by four accomplished chamber musicians, including members of the San Diego Symphony.

You can sense the musical power a little bit in a few of these photos.

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

A most extraordinary organ concert.

Over the years, during the course of many International Summer Organ Festivals in Balboa Park, I’ve been fortunate to hear concerts by some of the greatest organists in the world.

But this evening’s concert was extraordinary.

I’m at a loss for words to describe how much I was moved by the masterful, absolutely astonishing performance by Gunnar Idenstam.

Gunner Idenstam, from Sweden, has distinguished himself by winning some of the highest prizes and honors in the organ world. In 1984 he won the very prestigious international competition in improvisation, the Grand Prix de Chartres.

His concert tonight, to my ear, was perfect. He made the Spreckels Organ sound like a sparkling heart.

From his fingertips, through the pipes, came waves and droplets and streams of emotion from the deepest wells. The organ’s voice was complex, subtle, dancing, regal, triumphant, exuberant, sometimes manic, and it soared and soared, and stirred, and soared again, lifting me to a place of pure, exalted emotion.

I don’t know how to describe it.

Parts of his composition Metal Angel were so exultant I almost felt myself flying.

Listening with my eyes closed, I could feel my spirit whirling forward through an epic story. With victory in reach.

One more fun walk outside 2019 Comic-Con!

Krypto the Superdog has entered South Park during 2019 Comic-Con.
Krypto the Superdog has entered South Park during 2019 Comic-Con.

It’s Sunday, the final day of 2019 San Diego Comic-Con.

This morning I took a leisurely walk around downtown, the Gaslamp Quarter and the convention center.

No suffocating crowds, and more relaxed…but less cosplay.

I saw lots of families out enjoying a fun day!

It's Sunday morning at Comic-Con, and pop culture fans are heading to the San Diego Convention Center.
It’s Sunday morning at Comic-Con, and pop culture fans are heading toward the San Diego Convention Center.
As I walked up MLK Promenade, these nice Amazon Prime Video ladies handed me literature concerning upcoming shows.
As I walked up MLK Promenade, these nice Amazon Prime Video ladies handed me literature concerning upcoming shows.
I got into the Amazon activation with ease, but then discovered the attractions within had waits of up to two hours!
I got into the Amazon activation with ease, but then discovered the attractions within had waits of up to two hours!
I watched a mock fight up on the colorful central structure.
I watched a mock fight up on the colorful central structure.
People could don fairy wings and take flight for a Carnival Row photo.
People could don fairy wings and take flight for a Carnival Row photo.
This structure contains the Carnival Row attraction. In an earlier blog post I surmised it was for The Boys.
This structure contains the Carnival Row attraction. In an earlier blog post I surmised it was for The Boys.
A cool area at the Amazon offsite where people can relax. I enjoyed my free water and churros.
A cool area at the Amazon offsite where people can relax. I enjoyed my free water and churros.
As I walked back down MLK Promenade, I turned down these strange jelly-filled donuts, however.
As I walked back down MLK Promenade, however, I politely turned down these peculiar jelly-filled donuts.
I saw Dumbledore last year, too. I guess rumors of his demise are exaggerated.
I saw Dumbledore last year, too. I guess rumors of his demise are exaggerated.
Wonder Woman cosplayer strikes a pose.
Wonder Woman cosplayer strikes a heroic pose.
Everyone was photographing Batgirl!
Everyone was photographing Batgirl up on the Harbor Drive pedestrian bridge!
What we do in the shadows...or on our phones.
What we do in the shadows…or on our phones.
Sunday morning 2019 Comic-Con. Walking behind the San Diego Convention Center.
Sunday morning 2019 Comic-Con. Walking behind the San Diego Convention Center.
The Hot Wheels truck!
The Hot Wheels truck!
Awesome Wonder Woman and Hawkman cosplay!
Awesome Wonder Woman and Hawkman cosplay!
Taking photos in the Dragon Ball Z activation.
Taking photos in the Dragon Ball Z activation.
A bit of cosplay on Sunday, but not as much as Saturday.
I observed examples of cosplay on Sunday, but not nearly as much as Saturday.
Joker gives me an evil look.
Joker gives me an evil look.
Here come some snacks.
Here come some snacks.
They were doing some sort of filming in the FX Fearless Forum.
They were doing some sort of filming in the FX Fearless Forum.
A banana posed for a photo.
A banana posed for a photo.
A fanatic demonstrates their unquestioned FAITH IN GODZILLA.
A fanatic demonstrates their unquestioned FAITH IN GODZILLA.
Jack Skellington cosplay, from The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Jack Skellington cosplay, from The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Does this mean I'm NOT supposed to believe The Twilight Zone?
Does this mean I’m NOT supposed to believe The Twilight Zone?
These guys at the 91X radio table in the Interactive Zone smiled for some strange guy taking pictures.
These guys at the 91X radio table in the Interactive Zone smiled for some strange guy taking pictures.
I spied Popeye nearby.
I spied Popeye nearby.
This guy was singing his heart out doing Carpool Karaoke.
This guy was singing his heart out doing Carpool Karaoke.
Is this knight from Game of Thrones?
Is this knight from Game of Thrones?
An artist had spray paint art creations on the grass by a walkway.
An artist had spray paint art creations on the grass by a walkway.
Lots of criminals are lining up at Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
Lots of criminals are lining up at Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
This fellow likes dolls it would seem.
This fellow collects dolls it would seem.
New employees of the Superstore get photographed.
New employees of the Superstore get photographed.
This particular Darth Maul doesn't look so tough. Just saying.
This particular Darth Maul doesn’t look so tough. Just saying.
A relatively tranquil Sunday morning outside Comic-Con. Another beautiful San Diego day!
A relatively tranquil Sunday morning outside Comic-Con. Another beautiful San Diego day!
Basketballs were flying madly at the FOX Fan Fair.
Basketballs were flying madly at the FOX Fan Fair.
As I headed up Fifth Avenue for home, I was lucky to get this cool cosplay shot.
As I headed up Fifth Avenue for home, I was lucky to get this cool cosplay shot.
And some Ghostbusters, too.
And some Ghostbusters, too.
And this Angry Bird!
And this Angry Bird!

Tomorrow it’s back to normal, everyday, ordinary life.

Now it’s time for a nap!

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! 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 photos for you to enjoy!

Marketing and fun, combined into one.

I’m sure most people know the truth. Comic-Con is mostly about marketing. Movies, television shows, video games, toys, collectibles, even lunch–all swirl before the eyes of excited fans.

And yet–it’s all so much fun!

How does one draw the line between the calculated marketing and the unabashed fun?

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

A quick look inside The Orville Experience.

Kanoot.
Kanoot.

I’ve never watched The Orville. Most of the people I’ve spoken to say it’s pretty good. I suppose I’ll have to watch an episode or two.

I was walking to another San Diego Comic-Con destination today when I passed The Orville Experience activation in East Village. So I went in!

My camera is old and struggles in dim lighting, but I was able to get a few good shots. I used flash to capture the costumes, but I’m afraid I recorded no information about them.

The exhibition is definitely cool, with props and models and all sorts of amazing stuff from the show.

Those of you who do watch The Orville might recognize all this:

The Orville Experience can be enjoyed freely by the public during 2019 San Diego Comic-Con.
The Orville Experience can be enjoyed freely by the public during 2019 San Diego Comic-Con.
Model of the USS Orville (ECV-197).
Model of the USS Orville (ECV-197).
Display panels on The USS Orville.
Display panels on the USS Orville.
Uniforms worn aboard The USS Orville.
Uniforms worn aboard the USS Orville.

Bortus with Moustache.
Bortus with Moustache.

Unk.
Unk.

Captain Blavaroch.
Captain Blavaroch.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! 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 photos for you to enjoy!

Galactus and three big celebrities spotted!

A big lineup of cosplay superheroes in the Gaslamp Quarter during 2019 San Diego Comic-Con!
A big lineup of cosplay superheroes in the Gaslamp Quarter during 2019 San Diego Comic-Con!

Galactus and three big celebrities, all spotted on Friday morning! Prepare to be stunned, stupefied and utterly amazed!

You never know who (or what) you’ll see while walking about San Diego Comic-Con!

Dude Vader cosplay.
Dude Vader cosplay.
Dude Vader is a local cosplayer who has recently begun making his elaborate costumes with 3D printing.
Dude Vader is a local cosplayer who has recently begun making his elaborate costumes with 3D printing.
Silver Surfer is taking a moment to rest. I wonder if that means Galactus is coming...
Silver Surfer is taking a moment to rest. I wonder if that means Galactus is coming…
Lennie James, who plays Morgan Jones in The Walking Dead, talks with VIPs at the DeadQuarters offsite during 2019 Comic-Con.
Lennie James, the actor who plays Morgan Jones in The Walking Dead, talks with VIPs at the DeadQuarters offsite during 2019 Comic-Con.
Hogwarts students cosplay. The first guy denied he's Cedric.
Hogwarts students cosplay. The first guy denied he’s Cedric.
Little Shop of Horrors cosplay. The most original cosplay I've seen so far during 2019 San Diego Comic-Con!
Little Shop of Horrors cosplay. The most original cosplay I’ve seen so far during 2019 San Diego Comic-Con!
Wonder Woman cosplay. She was in a hurry to vanquish a villain down the street.
Wonder Woman cosplay. She was in a hurry to vanquish a villain down the street.
Super powered folk seem to be everywhere during Comic-Con!
Super powered folk seem to be everywhere during Comic-Con!
Yikes! Joker spotted me.
Yikes! Joker spotted me.
Captain Marvel is arriving in the nick of time.
Captain Marvel is arriving in the nick of time.
Freddy Krueger cosplay.
Freddy Krueger cosplay.
Freddy Krueger checks his phone.
Freddy Krueger checks his phone.
I was told with absolute sincerity that this puppet is a big YouTube celebrity.
I was told with absolute sincerity that this puppet is a big YouTube celebrity! Now do you believe me? You thought I was joking?
The Krusty Krab Funfair is that way.
The Krusty Krab Funfair is that way.
Doctor Strange and Loki cosplay.
Doctor Strange and Loki cosplay.
These guys informed me they're the Brothers Burns.
These guys informed me they’re the Brothers Burns.
Conan O'Brien lounges on a yacht during Comic-Con.
Another big celebrity sighting! Conan O’Brien lounges on a yacht during Comic-Con.
Mexican Deadpool cosplay.
Mexican Deadpool cosplay.
Die, Bart, Die.
Die, Bart, Die.
Luigi cosplay.
Luigi cosplay.
Thor, Scarlet Witch and Captain America cosplay.
Thor, Scarlet Witch and Captain America cosplay.
Venom cosplay.
Venom cosplay.
Take a ride on this Nerd Chariot.
Take a ride on this Nerd Chariot.
Hellboy cosplay.
Hellboy cosplay.
Scarlet Witch and Shazam cosplay.
Scarlet Witch and Shazam cosplay.
Super awesome Black Widow and Galactus cosplay!
It’s the coming of Galactus! Told you so! Awesome Black Widow and Galactus cosplay!
Well, I spotted Galactus and one real celebrity. That's the best I could do.
Unless that’s a celebrity secretly disguised under those big ears, I did manage to spot Galactus and one real honest-to-goodness celebrity this morning at 2019 Comic-Con. That’s the best I could do.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! 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 photos for you to enjoy!

Starfleet Museum’s future Picard exhibit in San Diego!

One of many future Starfleet artifacts that can be seen in San Diego during 2019 Comic-Con.
One of many future Starfleet artifacts that can now be seen in San Diego during 2019 Comic-Con.

The Starfleet Museum has sent many interesting artifacts from the future back in time to be exhibited during 2019 San Diego Comic-Con.

This very special exhibition, titled Jean-Luc Picard: The First Duty, traces the life and exploits of Admiral Jean-Luc Picard, whose exemplary service to Starfleet has made him a legend throughout the galaxy.

I took photographs of a few of these very rare museum pieces for the enjoyment of my readers. They will remain on loan from the future during the duration of San Diego Comic-Con. If you can, head down to the Gaslamp Quarter and enjoy a fascinating glimpse into future history!

Friendly smiles greeted a curious visitor to Star Trek's cool Jean-Luc Picard: The First Duty exhibit.
Friendly smiles greeted a curious visitor to Star Trek’s cool Jean-Luc Picard: The First Duty exhibit.
The first duty of every Starfleet officer is to the truth...
The first duty of every Starfleet officer is to the truth…
USS Stargazer NCC-2893, Constellation-class Starship. Picard served as Stargazer's captain for 22 years.
USS Stargazer NCC-2893, Constellation-class starship. Picard served as Stargazer’s captain for 22 years.
Cadet Jean-Luc Picard, 2326.
Cadet Jean-Luc Picard, 2326.
Ensign Jean-Luc Picard, 2330.
Ensign Jean-Luc Picard, 2330.
Starfleet Officer's Service Uniform, 2364.
Starfleet Officer’s Service Uniform, 2364.
Starfleet Communicator Badges.
Starfleet Communicator Badges.
A painting by Lieutenant Commander Data.
A painting by Lieutenant Commander Data.
A painting by Lieutenant Commander Data.
A painting by Lieutenant Commander Data.
Dixon Hill Novels. Picard enjoyed reading Shakespeare and these Dixon Hill detective novels from author Tracy Tormé.
Dixon Hill Novels. Picard enjoyed reading Shakespeare and these Dixon Hill detective novels from author Tracy Tormé.
SHADOWS OF KATAAN. An Evening of Music and Discourse with Captain Jean-Luc Picard.
SHADOWS OF KATAAN. An Evening of Music and Discourse with Captain Jean-Luc Picard.
Ressikan Flute.
Ressikan Flute.
USS Enterprise NCC-1701-D, Galaxy-class starship. Picard commanded the Enterprise-D from 2364 to 2371.
USS Enterprise NCC-1701-D, Galaxy-class starship. Picard commanded the Enterprise-D from 2364 to 2371.
Third Dynasty Kurlan Naiskos, a revered artifact of the ancient, extinct civilization of the planet Kurl.
Third Dynasty Kurlan Naiskos, a revered artifact of the ancient, extinct civilization of the planet Kurl.
Tamarian Knife, a gift to Picard in 2368, by Tamarian ship captain Dathon.
Tamarian Knife, a gift to Picard in 2368, by Tamarian ship captain Dathon.
Tea cups, one option when ordering hot beverages from the Enterprise's replicator system.
Tea cups, one option when ordering hot beverages from the Enterprise’s replicator system.
A wall with many plaques and trophies awarded to Admiral Picard during his long and illustrious career in Starfleet.
A wall with many plaques and trophies awarded to Admiral Picard during his long and illustrious career in Starfleet.
Admiral Picard Family Album.
Admiral Picard Family Album.
Photos of older brother Robert Picard and mother Yvette Gassard-Picard.
Photos of older brother Robert Picard and mother Yvette Gassard-Picard.
Borg Queen Skull. After her defeat, the Queen's cybernetic skull and other remaining components were retained by Starfleet for further study.
Borg Queen Skull. After her defeat, the Queen’s cybernetic skull and other remaining components were retained by Starfleet for further study.
Artifacts from the marriage of Commander William Riker and Commander Deanna Troi in 2379.
Artifacts from the marriage of Commander William Riker and Commander Deanna Troi in 2379.
Chateau Picard Wine. The Picard family vineyards near La Barre, France produce one of Earth's premiere red wines.
Chateau Picard Wine. The Picard family vineyards near La Barre, France produce one of Earth’s premiere red wines.
Jean-Luc Picard Civilian Attire, 2399.
Jean-Luc Picard Civilian Attire, 2399.
The special exhibition, Jean-Luc Picard: The First Duty is on loan from the Starfleet Museum. It is on display in San Diego during 2019 Comic-Con.
The special exhibition, Jean-Luc Picard: The First Duty, is on loan from the Starfleet Museum. It is on display in San Diego during 2019 Comic-Con.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! 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 photos for you to enjoy!