Tag: entertainment

Powerful genius at San Diego’s Ion Theatre.

The Aliens, a powerful award-winning play by Annie Baker, is now playing at the Ion Theatre in San Diego.
The Aliens, an award-winning play by Annie Baker, is now playing at the Ion Theatre in San Diego.

Yesterday evening I experienced something completely unexpected. Out of the blue I received a powerful jolt, as if struck to the core by a hammer.

What happened? I went to see The Aliens at the Ion Theatre. The Ion Theatre Company produces cutting edge live theater in San Diego’s Hillcrest neighborhood. The Aliens is a very unusual and surprising play that won the 2010 Obie Award for Best New American Play. It was written by Annie Baker.

I wasn’t expecting such power.

The Aliens is well performed by three great actors: Brian Butler, Tyler Oakley and Reed Willard. The characters they portray are absolutely human–slightly absurd and terribly broken. They are troubled in ways that are disturbing, heart-wrenching. They are frustrated, uncertain, in pain, alienated, almost hopeless.

But they aren’t hopeless.

Each character possesses awkward warmth and connection. And humor.

Then, like a bolt from the blue, at the very end, the emotional hammer strikes. I won’t tell you what happens. You’ll have to find out for yourselves.

Here’s a hint. In everyone there is unique genius. And while some people might not go far in this world, that genius–that yearning outflow from each individual heart–never stops. Life’s path might be unexpectedly short, but genius does not die.

Thoughtful adults should see this play. Check out the Ion Theatre’s website. The Aliens runs through December 12.

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Fun photos of Trolley Dances in water fountain!

Dancers in the fountain at San Diego's Waterfront Park reach skyward during the Trolley Dances.
Dancers in the fountain at San Diego’s Waterfront Park reach skyward during the Trolley Dances.

This morning I caught the very first performance of the Trolley Dances. The venue for the first stage of the Trolley Dances in 2015 is the County Administration Center Waterfront Park–to be exact, the long fountain on the north side of the County Administration Building.

When I arrived, a group of dancers was rehearsing and a videographer was setting up near the end of the fountain where the audience would watch. After a few minutes, the first mobile audience arrived, and I enjoyed a cool performance. And I mean cool. It was a water dance! On a very warm and muggy morning, I wouldn’t have minded rolling through and leaping about the refreshing water, either! But, alas, nobody who is sane would pay even a nickel to watch me dance.

The Trolley Dances is a unique tradition in San Diego. Put on by the San Diego Dance Theater, the outdoor performances occur in often surprising public places.  Those who watch get started every 45 minutes, traveling from one site to the next on foot and by public transit. This year, groups travel from the Waterfront Park to Balboa Park, taking one of the new MTS Rapid buses from Santa Fe Depot.

Anyone in San Diego who loves dance must check out the Trolley Dances. Performances continue throughout the day on Saturdays and Sundays, September 26 – 27 and October 3 – 4. More info can be found on their website.

Rehearsing and getting the video camera ready before the first Trolley Dances mobile audience arrives at 10 o'clock.
Rehearsing and getting the video camera ready before the first Trolley Dances mobile audience arrives at 10 o’clock.
A beautiful venue for a dance. Palm trees along the Embarcadero and San Diego Bay provide a perfect stage.
A beautiful venue for a dance. Palm trees along the Embarcadero and San Diego Bay provide a perfect stage.
Dancers rehearse the very beginning of the performance, which involves rolling out through the shallow fountain.
Dancers rehearse the very beginning of the performance, which involves rolling out through the shallow fountain.
They're rolling! During the summer, many tourists and visitors love running through the water. On such a warm morning, I almost jumped in myself!
They’re rolling! During the summer, many tourists and visitors love running through the water. On such a warm morning, I almost jumped in myself!
This nice lady saw my camera and provided a super smile!
This nice lady saw my camera and provided a super smile!
Stephan Koplowitz, an award-winning director and choreographer provides the dancers with some final advice before the first audience arrives.
Stephan Koplowitz, an award-winning director and choreographer provides the dancers with some final advice before the first audience arrives.
And here they come! Guides with Trolley Dances signs lead the way to the first unusual outdoor dance site.
And here they come! Guides with Trolley Dances signs lead the way to the first unusual outdoor dance site.
The dancers are lying in the water as everyone trickles in and finds a place to sit or stand.
The dancers are lying in the water as everyone trickles in and finds a place to sit or stand.
The first audience is ready! Here we go!
The first audience is ready! Here we go!
Slowly rolling...
Slowly rolling…
OH, NO!!! A child playing in the park nearby is heading out to join the dancers! Horrors!
OH, NO!!! A child playing in the park nearby is heading out to join the dancers! Horrors!
The young child is intercepted. I'm sorry, but this to me was the highlight of the performance!
The young child is intercepted. I’m sorry, but this to me was the highlight of the performance!
The dancers rise up as individuals, like living things emerging from primordial waters.
The dancers rise up as individuals, like living things emerging from primordial waters.
Some still lay flat on their backs, moving their feet as if coming to life. The dance was very organic, and very watery!
Some still lay flat on their backs, moving their feet as if coming to life. The dance was very organic, and very watery!
Rising up from the liquid into freedom and boundless space.
Rising up from the liquid into freedom and boundless space.
The free form dance was a very cool spectacle that everyone should enjoy.
The free form dance was a very cool spectacle that everyone should enjoy.
Now the dancers rise in unison, plunging forward, swirling, alive!
Now the dancers rise in unison, plunging forward, swirling, alive!
Dancers from San Diego Dance Theater provide wonderful entertainment on a sunny weekend day!
Dancers from San Diego Dance Theater provide wonderful entertainment on a sunny weekend day!
Clusters of dancers merge, writhe, change shape, like strange newborn beings experiencing life for the first time.
Clusters of dancers merge, writhe, change shape, like strange newborn beings experiencing life for the first time.
This artistic group seemed to be evolving, ascending into the world.
This artistic group seemed to be evolving, ascending into the world.
Flying skyward through the fountain!
Flying skyward through the fountain!
More beauty and mystery, as the dancers slowly spread south, away from the seated audience.
More beauty and mystery, as the dancers slowly spread south, away from the seated audience.
Another dynamic photo.
Another dynamic photo.
The dancers are now clearly moving away from the audience, pushing out into the broader world, over this bridge.
The dancers are now clearly moving away from the audience, pushing out into the broader world, over this bridge.
It is a shining, watery path that passes through many splashing fountains.
It is a shining, watery path that passes through many splashing fountains.
Moving outward, away, slowly, with poise.
Moving outward, away, slowly, with poise.
Beyond white curtains of water, away, into the unknown future...
Beyond white curtains of water, away, into the unknown future…
And the stunning performance is over. The dancers paused and bowed, as the mobile audience drew up beside them and applauded.
And the stunning performance is over. The dancers paused and bowed, as the mobile audience drew up beside them and applauded.

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Photos of San Diego Chargers 2015 FanFest.

A kicked football flies into the stands during the 2015 Chargers FanFest.
A kicked football flies into the stands during the 2015 Chargers FanFest.

Today I took the trolley over to Qualcomm Stadium to check out the 2015 Chargers FanFest. San Diego’s NFL team is getting ready for the regular season, and during the popular FanFest a practice session was held in the presence of thousands of fans. Veteran players and those who are striving to make the team demonstrated their skills for coaches and fans alike!

In addition to action on the field, the annual FanFest also included a performance by the San Diego Charger Girls cheerleaders, and autograph sessions with many past and current players.

I didn’t want to miss this event. It’s possible the Chargers might soon leave San Diego and move to Los Angeles. I hope not.

Thousands line up outside San Diego's Qualcomm Stadium to enjoy this year's Chargers FanFest. I saw many Seau jerseys being worn today.
Thousands line up outside San Diego’s Qualcomm Stadium to enjoy this year’s Chargers FanFest. I saw many Seau jerseys being worn today.
Save Our Bolts advocate holds up a San Diego Chargers banner for my camera. There's a chance the NFL team will soon leave San Diego.
Save Our Bolts advocate holds up a San Diego Chargers banner for my camera. There’s a chance the NFL team will soon leave San Diego.
San Diego Charger Girls cheerleaders smile as fans enter Qualcomm Stadium for FanFest.
San Diego Charger Girls cheerleaders smile as fans enter Qualcomm Stadium for FanFest.
Chargers faithful line up at a concession stand to get ready for an enjoyable FanFest.
Chargers faithful line up at a concession stand to get ready for an enjoyable FanFest.
Crowd fills field level seats, anticipating a good team practice on a perfect August summer day.
Crowd fills field level seats, anticipating a good team practice on a perfect August summer day.
The old Jumbotron reads Welcome to Chargers FanFest 2015.
The old Jumbotron reads Welcome to Chargers FanFest 2015.
As Chargers fans watch football action on the field, vendors circulate with cotton candy, lemonade and other treats.
As Chargers fans watch football action on the field, vendors circulate with cotton candy, lemonade and other treats.
Today NFL legend Junior Seau was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. A banner honoring number 55 hangs high and proudly in Qualcomm Stadium.
Today NFL legend Junior Seau was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. A banner honoring number 55 hangs high and proudly in Qualcomm Stadium.
Players on offense, defense and special teams were practicing all over the field, getting ready for the regular season.
Players on offense, defense and special teams were practicing all over the field, getting ready for the regular season.
Cornerback Richard Crawford on the Chargers practice squad catches a kicked ball.
Cornerback Richard Crawford on the Chargers practice squad catches a kicked ball.
Footballs were flying everywhere, including through the goal posts. Rookie kicker Josh Lambo nailed it.
Footballs were flying everywhere, including through the goal posts. Rookie kicker Josh Lambo nailed it.
Awesome field goal wizard Nick Novak limbers up his leg with some easy kicks.
Awesome field goal wizard Nick Novak limbers up his leg with some easy kicks.
Stretching out this valuable player's leg muscles involves professional sports medicine expertise.
Stretching out this valuable player’s leg muscles involves professional sports medicine expertise.
Shirt declares that all grandmas are created equal, but only the coolest wear blue and gold!
Shirt declares that all grandmas are created equal, but only the coolest wear blue and gold!
Superstar quarterback Philip Rivers provides leadership for the team during stretching exercises.
Superstar quarterback Philip Rivers provides leadership for the team during stretching exercises.
Here comes a line of Chargers stepping high during the warm up routine.
Here comes a line of Chargers stepping high during the warm up routine.
Some scrimmaging begins as players face each other and test their skills on the field.
Some scrimmaging begins as players face each other and test their skills on the field.
The pigskin bounces crazily on the grass as Chargers vie for possession.
The pigskin bounces crazily on the grass as Chargers vie for possession.
An animated fan in the stands gestures during the preseason practice session.
An animated fan in the stands gestures during the preseason practice session.
An exciting play near the end zone has players scrambling at full speed.
An exciting play near the end zone has players scrambling at full speed.
After a good workout, players offer some mutual congrats and encouragement.
After a good workout, players offer some mutual congrats and encouragement.
Practice is over, and King Dunlap signs autographs for thrilled fans in the stands.
Practice is over, and King Dunlap signs autographs for thrilled fans in the stands.
Chargers FanFest 2015 was a whole lot of fun. I hope San Diego's NFL team has a great season!
Chargers FanFest 2015 was a whole lot of fun. I hope San Diego’s NFL team has a great season!

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Insane Comic-Con: crowds, hype, fun and firemen!

Comic book characters promote Webtoon (a digital comics platform) in the Gaslamp during 2015 San Diego Comic-Con.
Comic book characters promote Webtoon (a digital comics platform) in the Gaslamp during 2015 San Diego Comic-Con.

Yeah. San Diego Comic-Con has changed. What years ago was a small convention for dedicated comic book lovers has turned into a big insane Hollywood hype machine. Diehard fans and awestruck consumers geek out over every conceivable new entertainment, and promoters try to get Comic-Con goers to post photos on social media under a hundred different hashtags. It’s all about hyping an upcoming movie, a television show, a video game, a celebrity, a brand. It’s more than a bit ridiculous. It’s silly. It’s loud. It’s often superficial. And, if you don’t mind massive crowds, it can be exciting, wonderful, eye-opening and lots of fun!

So here’s one last blog post concerning huge glorious 2015 Comic-Con.

These photos mostly show riotous doings in downtown San Diego outside of the convention center. And all this fantastic contrived drama is concluded with a bit of actual nail-biting reality. Oh, my!

A huge crowd of Comic-Con enthusiasts has assembled at the entrance to San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter.
A huge crowd of Comic-Con enthusiasts has assembled at the entrance to San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter.
Comic-Con goers lined up to experience rampaging zombies at Walking Dead offsite venue at Hilton Gaslamp.
Comic-Con goers lined up to experience rampaging zombies at Walking Dead offsite venue at Hilton Gaslamp.
Cosplay ninja takes a flying plunge from the top of the clock tower at Assassin's Creed obstacle course.
Cosplay ninja takes a flying plunge from the top of the clock tower at Assassin’s Creed obstacle course.
Syfy guerrilla marketing promotion of Childhood's End uses a mob of people holding signs to beware Karellen!
Syfy guerrilla marketing promotion of Childhood’s End uses a mob of people holding signs to beware Karellen!
Hired street actors perform creepy chants to promote upcoming television series Damien. The Beast Rises! And so does the hype!
Hired street actors perform creepy chants to promote upcoming television series Damien. The Beast Rises! And so does the hype!
Red-bereted soldiers from Colony television show march in file up Fifth Avenue through San Diego's Gaslamp.
Red-bereted soldiers from Colony television show march in file up Fifth Avenue through San Diego’s Gaslamp.
The Colony troop files past shark head-wearing Sharknado 3 girls and an Outlander bagpiper! It's complete mayhem.
The Colony troop files past shark head-wearing Sharknado 3 girls and an Outlander bagpiper! It’s complete mayhem.
Uncle Sams on stilts with sharks through their chests add to the absurdity of the already ridiculous scene.
Uncle Sams on stilts with sharks through their chests add to the absurdity of the already ridiculous scene.
Deliciously insane. You have to be here to believe it.
Deliciously insane. You have to be here to believe it.
I asked this lady about her cosplay. She said it was nothing in particular.
I asked this lady about her cosplay. She said it was nothing in particular.
A cool Dragon Ball Z poster in window of a Gaslamp eatery.
A cool Dragon Ball Z poster in window of a Gaslamp eatery.
Numerous zany Colonel Sanders sculptures placed about San Diego transmitted free Wi-Fi for Comic-Con visitors. KFC seems to have adopted an attention-getting marketing strategy.
Numerous zany Colonel Sanders sculptures placed about San Diego transmitted free Wi-Fi for Comic-Con visitors. KFC seems to have adopted an attention-getting marketing strategy.
Cool Star Wars cosplay. A couple of scout troopers in the crowd.
Cool Star Wars cosplay. A couple of scout troopers in the crowd.
Guys in kilts, bagpipes, rowdy damsels, all promoting Outlander.
Guys in kilts, bagpipes, rowdy damsels, all promoting Outlander.
Another photo of the crowd near Webtoon and Heroes Reborn.
Another photo of the crowd near Webtoon and Heroes Reborn.
I believe the face-painted cosplay that looks kind of like the rock band Kiss is a character from Korean comics.
I believe the face-painted cosplay that looks kind of like the rock band Kiss is a character from Korean comics.
There's so much crazy fun going on my head was on a rapid swivel.
There’s so much crazy fun going on my head was on a rapid swivel.
Colorful fun over at the LEGO Homer Simpson near entrance to the Hard Rock Hotel.
Colorful fun over at the LEGO Homer Simpson near entrance to the Hard Rock Hotel.
One can ride pedicabs with various Muppet characters!
One can ride pedicabs with various Muppet characters!
Long lines were all over the place, especially near Petco Park. These people want to Experience the Realm.
Long lines were all over the place, especially near Petco Park. These people want to Experience the Realm.
Another cheerful Poison Ivy. Hi!
Another cheerful Poison Ivy. Hi!
These brave people lined up near Petco Park's scary The Walking Dead Escape will experience zombies in virtual reality!
These brave people who are lined up near Petco Park’s scary The Walking Dead Escape will experience zombies in virtual reality!
Looking through Petco Park stadium fence at part of The Walking Dead Escape layout.
Looking through Petco Park stadium fence at part of The Walking Dead Escape layout.
Guy places a dummy corpse by a bloody, crashed car.
Guy places a dummy corpse by a bloody, crashed car.
Lots of lines, food, games and cosplay at the Comic-Con Interactive Zone in the Lexus Lot next to Petco Park.
Lots of lines, food, games and cosplay at the Comic-Con Interactive Zone in the Lexus Lot next to Petco Park.
Kids check out video games at the Alienware exhibit in the Interactive Zone.
Kids check out video games at the Alienware exhibit in the Interactive Zone.
Family sports Charlie Brown baseball caps after visiting the nearby Peanuts Movie fun site.
Family sports Charlie Brown baseball caps after visiting the nearby Peanuts Movie fun site.
Hanging out looking at a long video screen behind the San Diego Convention Center. The FX Fearless Arena Experience was super popular during 2015 Comic-Con.
Hanging out looking at a long video screen behind the San Diego Convention Center. The FX Fearless Arena Experience was super popular during 2015 Comic-Con.
Someone prepares to fly a drone above the crowd to take video of the stupendous international event.
Someone prepares to fly a drone above the crowd to take video of the stupendous international event.
People everywhere. Just a lot of fun. I enjoyed a hamburger, but continued to scour the place for freebies to eat.
People everywhere. Just a lot of fun. I enjoyed a hamburger, but continued to scour the place for freebies to eat.
It's Homer Simpson at the Kwik-E-Mart!
It’s Homer Simpson at the Kwik-E-Mart!
Fargo fans stand in a glitter-filled huge snow globe for a photograph!
Fargo fans stand in a glitter-filled huge snow globe for a photograph!
People scream right on cue at the Scream Queens drop amusement ride.
People scream right on cue at the Scream Queens drop amusement ride.
Hundreds of thousands jam downtown San Diego for 2015 Comic-Con. It's just plain nuts.
Hundreds of thousands jam downtown San Diego for 2015 Comic-Con. It’s just plain nuts.
Indeed, it appears there's No Escape!
Indeed, it appears there’s No Escape!
Folks dining at a Gaslamp restaurant have front row seats to the drama.
Folks dining at a Gaslamp restaurant have front row seats to the drama.
Free rides, courtesy of Another Period, The Original Ballers.
Free rides, courtesy of Another Period, The Original Ballers.
But wait! All the fabricated hype and escapist fantasy is rudely interrupted by real sirens and flashing lights!
But wait! All the fabricated hype and escapist fantasy is rudely interrupted by real sirens and flashing red lights!
A kitchen grease fire broke out in a restaurant during Comic-Con on the 900 block of Fourth Avenue. Reality intervenes!
A kitchen grease fire broke out in a restaurant during Comic-Con on Saturday. The fire was on the 900 block of Fourth Avenue. Reality intervenes!
Firefighters, dealing with a potentially serious crisis, provide unexpected nail-biting entertainment for one and all.
Firefighters, dealing with a potentially serious crisis, provide unexpected nail-biting entertainment for one and all.

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Comic-Con is nearly over, but there’s much to see and do in San Diego. Enjoy future posts! Join me on Facebook or Twitter.

Huge building wraps and banners hung for Comic-Con!

Several huge Minority Report banners have been hung on the Hilton parking garage for 2015 San Diego Comic-Con.
Several huge Minority Report banners have been hung on the Hilton parking garage for the upcoming 2015 San Diego Comic-Con.

I got off work early today, so I took the trolley down to the San Diego Convention Center and walked around looking to photograph cool 2015 Comic-Con preparations. The main thing I noticed was that several gigantic building wraps and banners are being installed at this very moment! One week to go until Comic-Con, and things should soon start getting interesting!

A gigantic orange Conan O’Brien building wrap is being applied to the side of the Marriott Hotel facing the San Diego Convention Center.
A gigantic orange Conan O’Brien building wrap is being applied to the side of the Marriott Hotel facing the San Diego Convention Center.
A suspended platform is used to adhere panels of a The Last Ship building wrap to windows of the shining Marriott Marquis.
A suspended platform is used to adhere panels of The Last Ship building wrap to shining windows of the Marriott Marquis.
Major preparations have begun the week before 2015 San Diego Comic-Con!
Major preparations have begun the week before 2015 San Diego Comic-Con!

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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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Artists paint live Flamenco dancing in Spanish Village!

Guitar music propels Flamenco dancers in Balboa Park's Spanish Village.
Guitar music propels Flamenco dancers in Balboa Park’s Spanish Village.

This afternoon I enjoyed watching some amazing Flamenco dancing. Balboa Park’s colorful Spanish Village, the home to many artist studios, hosted the special event. As beautifully dressed lady Flamenco dancers performed for the public, local artists at easels painted away!

Flamenco dancing is fiery, stately and proud. Each dance and dancer glowed with unabashed human emotion. The audience learned a little about the nature of this Spanish folk dance, but I was so mesmerized I failed to jot down many notes. I remember that one dance was said to represent defiant joy, another a representation of pure, carefree womanhood.

The public was invited to watch local artists painting a performance by the La Paloma Flamenco Dance Company.
The public was invited to watch local San Diego artists painting a performance by the La Paloma Flamenco Dance Company.
Crowd shouts and claps as the whirling ladies move their limbs and tap feet with graceful, fluid, precise abandon.
Crowd shouts and claps as the whirling ladies move their limbs and tap feet with graceful, fluid, joyful abandon.
The energetic Spanish folk dancing causes colorful fabric to fly and twirl like a gauzy dream.
The energetic Spanish folk dancing causes colorful fabric to fly and twirl like a gauzy dream.
A range of powerful human emotion is transmitted to the audience during each fantastic Flamenco dance.
A range of powerful human emotion is transmitted to the audience during each fantastic Flamenco dance.
A carefully watching artist has made a few sketches during the performance in Spanish Village.
A carefully watching artist has made a few sketches during the performance in Spanish Village.
I don't know how an artist can begin to capture the dynamism and detail of the colorful, kinetic dance!
I don’t know how an artist can begin to capture the dynamism and detail of the colorful, kinetic dance!
A local artist from Spanish Village in Balboa Park streaks color across a canvas. A skilled hand and eye produces the same bold living essence expressed by the dance.
A local artist from Spanish Village in Balboa Park streaks color across a canvas. A skilled hand and eye produces the same bold living essence expressed by the dance.

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Conan O’Brien Live at Comic-Con trolley wrap!

A new San Diego Comic-Con trolley wrap features Conan O'Brien turned into what appear to be Funko POP! toy figures. Here he's a blank-eyed zombie, and his own ordinary bland self.
A new San Diego Comic-Con trolley wrap features Conan O’Brien turned into what appear to be Funko POP! toy figures. Here he’s a blank-eyed zombie, plus his own ordinary bland self.

I spotted another 2015 San Diego Comic-Con trolley wrap in the past couple days! This one promotes Conan O’Brien’s television show on TBS. He’ll be hosting his talk show live from Comic-Con July 8-12. I’ve read that he’ll also be moderating two panels in Hall H: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 and The Last Witch Hunter.

The images on the trolley wrap seem to show Conan turned into several Funko POP! toy figures!  Cool!

And here Conan O'Brien has been transformed into Batman and a green Frankenstein monster. The latter seems true-to-life in various ways.
Here Conan O’Brien has been transformed into Batman and a green Frankenstein monster.
Here's a wrap on an older version San Diego trolley at America Plaza. Conan will be live from Comic-Con July 8-11.
Here’s a wrap on an older version San Diego trolley at America Plaza. Conan will be live from Comic-Con July 8-11.
Finally, here we have a commuter who's entirely unconcerned that Frankenstein Conan is threatening him with scary outstretched monster arms.
Finally, here we have a commuter who’s entirely unconcerned that Frankenstein Conan is threatening him with scary outstretched monster arms.

Stay tuned for a ton more cool Comic-Con stuff in the coming few weeks!

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San Diego Comic-Con trolley wrap: Scream Queens!

A cool San Diego trolley wrap for 2015 Comic-Con promotes Scream Queens on Fox. A killer new series from the creators of Glee and American Horror Story.
A cool San Diego trolley wrap for 2015 Comic-Con promotes Scream Queens on Fox. A killer new series from the creators of Glee and American Horror Story.

I finally got pics of the very first trolley wrap for the upcoming 2015 San Diego Comic-Con. The bold graphics promote Scream Queens, an American horror-comedy television series, which is having its world premiere at Comic-Con. The series will be televised on Fox starting in September.

I spoke to a super friendly trolley driver on Thursday (she always smiles and waves at me!) and I learned that more trolley wraps are in the process of being readied for Comic-Con. What they are, I don’t know. We’ll find out together!  Stay tuned!

Keke Palmer, Diego Boneta and Lea Michele all have scary bloody hands!
Keke Palmer, Diego Boneta and Lea Michele all have scary bloody hands!
Faces of Scream Queens on a San Diego trolley include Ariana Grande, Lucien Laviscount and Nick Jonas.
Faces of Scream Queens on a San Diego trolley include Ariana Grande, Lucien Laviscount and Nick Jonas.
A bloody-handed Jamie Lee Curtis peers between trolley cars at me! Yikes!
A bloody-handed Jamie Lee Curtis peers between trolley cars at me! Yikes!

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Philippine American Celebration in Balboa Park!

Mural being painted for the Balboa Park Centennial 2015 Philippine American Celebration.
Mural being painted for the Balboa Park Centennial 2015 Philippine American Celebration.

I saw a variety of cool sights during my morning walk today. While soaking up some San Diego sunshine, I checked out this weekend’s Balboa Park Centennial 2015 Philippine American Celebration. The annual Filipino cultural event is bigger and better than ever!

The Spreckels Organ Pavilion is the setting for many top notch performances, including a concert tonight by American Idol runner-up Jessica Sanchez! The festival also enlivens the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages, with lots of art, history, food and fun.

I learned that the House of the Philippines has received the green light to build their own cottage in Balboa Park. I’ll be sure to follow that project’s progress on my blog!

House of the Philippines participated in the event. They will soon have a home among the nearby House of Pacific Relations International Cottages.
House of the Philippines participated in the event. They will soon have a home among the nearby House of Pacific Relations International Cottages.
A crowd is gathering on Saturday morning to watch Filipino entertainment at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.
A crowd is gathering on Saturday morning to watch Filipino entertainment at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.
Tents around the perimeter of the pavilion contained interesting cultural information.
Tents around the perimeter of the pavilion contained interesting cultural information.
Poster shows many important Filipinos throughout San Diego's rich history.
Poster shows many important Filipinos throughout San Diego’s rich, diverse history.
Marie Zhivago wrote a cool children's book titled The Sakura. I learned sakura in Japanese means cherry blossom.
Marie Zhivago wrote a cool children’s book titled The Sakura. I learned sakura in Japanese means cherry blossom.

Marie Zhivago is a super nice person who is also an author and cartoonist. I enjoyed talking with her and learning new stuff! Please check out her website!

Numerous informative displays were on the lawn in the International Cottages area.
Numerous interesting displays were on the lawn in the International Cottages area.
This poster documents Heroes and Presidents of the Philippines.
This poster documents Heroes and Presidents of the Philippines.
Another cool poster shows how hip hop culture has been influenced by Filipino artists.
Another poster shows how hip hop culture has been influenced by Filipino artists.
Beautiful costumes and dresses were being worn by many at the festival.
Beautiful costumes and dresses were being worn by many at the festival.
Kids check out some fun exhibits at the Balboa Park Centennial 2015 Philippine American Celebration.
Kids check out fun exhibits at the Balboa Park Centennial 2015 Philippine American Celebration.
Many Philippine American organizations contributed to Balboa Park's historic centennial with a great event.
Philippine American organizations contributed to Balboa Park’s historic centennial with this great event.

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