Gaslamp trolley station has superhero sign about a ticket app.
Here are a few pics of new Comic-Con related things I’ve spotted around the Gaslamp in the past two days. The 2014 San Diego Comic-Con is now just one week away! It seems that most of the important preparation will take place early next week, and perhaps over this weekend. I’ll post new stuff as I discover it!
Several long banners with faces advertise The Leftovers on HBO.
Several of these banners run along the trolley tracks opposite the convention center. I saw one being put up yesterday morning.
Jay and Silent Bob will eat Comic-Con!
Looks like The American Comedy Co. has a bunch of hilarious Comic-Con entertainment ready to go!
This unusual Hulk is on one window of Rockin’ Baja.Lobster with pointed ears. Steam me up, Scotty!
I wonder if Spock would ever put on a sombrero. He probably would if it were logical.
Electric Dreams Factory sign applied to Hard Rock Hotel window.
Huge signs concerning an upcoming Adam Sandler movie called Pixels were going up all over the Hard Rock Hotel as I walked by early this morning. Sony will host a special event during Comic-Con called the Pixels Electric Dreams Factory Arcade, where gamers will be able to play classic arcade games from the 80’s!
San Diego Comic-Con logo being painted on a taco shop window.
Okay, I added the above photo from Little Italy on Friday afternoon. I was walking home from work. So now, technically, all these pics aren’t from the Gaslamp.
UPDATE!
I just learned I’ll probably be attending Preview Night this coming Wednesday, so stay tuned for (hopefully) a whole bunch of awesome stuff!
ANOTHER UPDATE!
Here come more pics… I snapped these in the days leading up to Comic-Con!
Poster by trolley station promotes another season of Blacklist.Alex Ross cool Justice League graphic above a Gaslamp door.The Haunted Hotel has two scary Comic-Con dates.The Strain television show advertisement on Old Town Trolley Tours bus.
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Dogs and their human pals arrive at the big surfing competition.
I’d never seen a dog surf in my entire life. Not until today.
Now I’ve seen a whole pack of dogs surfing.
Yes, I have to admit it. I couldn’t resist heading down to the big Surfdog event at Imperial Beach today. This year it was sponsored by Unleashed by Petco. In the past it was called Loews Coronado Bay Surf Dog Competition.
What? Some of you have never seen a dog athlete mount a surfboard and skillfully ride mighty ocean breakers?
Seeing is believing…
It’s the epic Surfdog summer event everyone has waited for!Finishing touches are put on a sand sculpture at Imperial Beach.This dog can hardly wait to watch the intense animal action!Information boards outline the various heats in the big surf contest.Announcer readies for some incredible pooch performances.The VIP section fills and so does the beach and pier.Dogs and non-dogs at water’s edge have a great place to watch.These guys want a great spot on the pier to view the action.Everyone is ready for the first exciting freestyle heat!This little fellow doesn’t seem to know what’s going on.Surfing contestants mount their surfboards waiting for the starting horn.The crowd favorite, a genuine superstar, poses for my camera.The horn blows and the first fifteen minute heat begins!The crowd converges on the ocean in disbelief.One four-legged athlete is already out near the breakers.Here come two canine athletes showing great form!Steady as she goes!Hot dogging it and hanging twenty!Wow, those incredible, amazing surfers are absolutely inhuman!Thousands enjoy Unleashed by Petco’s surf dog event!
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Arriving at the long-time OTL venue on Fiesta Island.
Shame on me. I’ve lived in San Diego a good chunk of my life, and I’ve never headed to Fiesta Island to experience the legendary fun of OTL. Well, I finally went early this morning!
Over The Line, commonly called OTL, is a San Diego original, a unique beach game that every year seems to gain in popularity. Played on the sand, it resembles a simple version of softball with no baserunners. You must hit the ball over “the line” and between two foul lines, and not have it be caught, which would result in an out. Three innings, three outs. While the rules are a bit more complicated, that’s the gist of it.
The OTL World Championship has become a local institution. It’s played on Fiesta Island, which is located near the center of Mission Bay. It’s put on by OMBAC, the Old Mission Beach Athletic Club. The highly anticipated annual summer event is now 61 years old! But you might never guess this spectacle was so venerable, given its outlandish party atmosphere and the sheer raunchiness of the crowd.
Team names are often juvenile and sexually explicit, to the extent you’d probably just roll your eyes. But it’s all very good-natured and amusing. The crowd is composed largely of males in their 20’s and 30’s, and beer is chugged freely everywhere, as it’s BYOB. I suppose as the day progresses, the crowd becomes more randy–I’ll admit that’s one reason I swung by so early in the morning. That and the avoidance of a hot afternoon!
The tournament goes on for two weekends. This first weekend is for the amateurs; on the second weekend the teams and the play become more serious.
I’m glad I checked it out. Now I know what I’ve missed all these years!
Follow me as I arrive from the shuttle bus around seven in the morning. The sun hasn’t broken through the clouds yet…
Walking past an Old Mission Beach Athletic Club truck and banner.People stand as day begins with the national anthem.Official OTL programs for sale near the entrance.Miss Emerson Headquarters is on sandy Emerson Street.
As you might guess, there’s a bikini contest, and every year the winner is titled Miss Emerson.
Scoreboard for 61st World Championship of Over The Line.Players and teams check the official schedule board.Early in the morning and many people are arriving with chairs and coolers.The OTL tournament doesn’t begin until seven thirty.San Diego Parrot Head Club lounge is still empty at this early hour.Guy checks out some silly, very raunchy posters.A player practices fielding a batted ball.The huge OTL tournament finally begins in earnest!Ball is to be struck into a narrow outfield.Lots more people will arrive throughout the day.Some old guys just kicking back on the sand.Marines from opening ceremony color guard pass on an OMBAC cart.The t-shirt gardens shack is becoming more active.Hundreds of games of OTL will be played here over two weekends.San Diego’s sunny Fiesta Island is the home to Over The Line.
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Horton Plaza has display cases welcoming Comic-Con.
Two weeks to go until this year’s San Diego Comic-Con! During my walk downtown today I saw that a few shops, bars and restaurants in the Gaslamp Quarter have begun to get ready. A couple signs are up and a few windows are painted. Horton Plaza shops have many wares ready to sell. I suspect in the coming week, major preparations will seriously get underway. I’m looking forward to see what surprises pop up!
Batman and Star Wars showcased for coming shoppers.Bookstore in Horton Plaza has cool stickers and posters in their window.Justice League appears ready to fly off a shirt!
I altered the above photo a bit to make the superheroes really jump out!
Superman in Gaslamp window with Doctor Who salt and pepper set.The Dark Knight silently watches from a historic Gaslamp building.Gaslamp bar window painted with Superman and POW word balloon.The Chuck Jones Gallery really doesn’t need anything more.These San Diego Comic-Con signs will soon be everywhere!
UPDATE!
Here come more pics taken in the days leading up to Comic-Con! You’ll notice the Chuck Jones Gallery finally got a funny sign up!
Boom Shop seems to be created for San Diego Comic-Con.Even ACE Hardware is feeling heroic!Wile E. Coyote holds Chuck Jones Gallery sign!Batgirl costume on mannequin in a typical local shop.Yogurt sign with Hulk, Supergirl, Spidey and Batman!Wolverine comic book on a very cool t-shirt.
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San Diego recently made the news as America’s most patriotic city, according to a popular social media network. It doesn’t surprise me. San Diego has more military installations and a higher concentration of veterans than any other city in the United States.
So on the Fourth of July you might expect to see a whole lot of patriotism. You’re right!
Tonight one of the biggest firework displays in the country will take place on San Diego Bay. Right now, people are filtering into the area around the bay to claim viewing spots, have barbeques and picnics, and get themselves ready for the Big Bay Boom, until the number will reach hundreds of thousands.
This afternoon I walked around the Gaslamp and the Embarcadero. Here come some pics!
The streets of San Diego’s Gaslamp District filled with patriotic sights.Shop window in the Gaslamp filled with American flags.Friendship and brotherhood on the Embarcadero Marina Park South pier.One of many boats decked with Fourth of July bunting.The bayfront parks are crowded with tents and celebrating Americans.Thousands along San Diego Bay enjoy barbeque and play.People have claimed spots to watch tonight’s fireworks on the bay.Street performer poses with red, white and blue.Many in the crowd are wearing patriotic clothing.USS Carl Vinson, an active aircraft carrier, strung with festive colors.A display on the Embarcadero of historic diving equipment.Young man near USS Midway speaks to retired Navy diver.Just kicking back on a sunny San Diego Independence Day.The Patriot speed boat is fit for the occasion.Cool pedicab driver gives a peace sign on Fourth of July.
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Gamora of Guardians of the Galaxy on a cool banner!
I took these quick photos this morning during a meandering walk through downtown. 2014 San Diego Comic-Con is only three weeks away!
A couple days ago I saw a San Diego trolley with an awesome Gotham television show wrap. I didn’t whip out my camera fast enough, unfortunately. Next time I have a chance, I’ll snap a pic and post it!
I started this blog last year, just a few weeks after Comic-Con had ended, so this year I plan to get a load of interesting images! Stay tuned!
Star-Lord in action on a San Diego Gaslamp street lamp!Groot and Rocket are ready to fight cosmic evil.Drax on Comic-Con banner near San Diego Convention Center.Big Hero 6 banners line Broadway in downtown San Diego.
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Tony Gwynn on video screen at Petco’s Park at the Park.
Tonight I joined thousands of other San Diegans at Petco Park to honor the late Tony Gwynn, the greatest Padres player ever…and one of the greatest baseball players in the history of the sport.
I apologize that my camera takes very poor long distance shots. There were many speakers paying tribute to Tony, and my photos of the distant stage and podium came out terribly.
A few photographs seem to have captured the spirit of the occasion. Here they are…
San Diegans pay their respects at the Tony Gwynn statue.Flowers, messages and memorabilia from loving fans.Child reaches up to touch number 19.Padres fans enter the stands before Tony Gwynn memorial begins.Anthony Keith Gwynn, the greatest Padre ever.Thanks for the memories, Mr. Padre.Thousands gather long before the memorial tribute starts.Thank you signs and poignant gestures from the crowd.White doves are released near the stage as program begins.
Nineteen doves were released after a choir opened the service, singing: “I’m not here, but I’m not far. My spirit lives on.”
Ted Leitner remembers Tony and introduces many guests.
Ted Leitner, long-time Padres radio announcer, said that we’d never forget the greatest hitter of his generation. He then asked the crowd to provide one last standing ovation. During the memorial tribute, Ted played a recording of Tony’s unforgettable laugh from a cell phone.
There were scores of distinguished guests, and several speakers remembered Tony Gwynn for the cheering crowd.
Reggie Jackson, Mr. October, gave a Yankee salute to Tony and his family. San Diego’s mayor spoke, and so did the Chief Operating Officer of Major League Baseball. Tony La Russa and Joe Torre stood up in the VIP section to loud applause. On the big video screen, tributes were offered by former teammates and opponents alike. In old videos, Tony Gwynn was treated with respect by contemporary baseball greats, including Mike Schmidt, Cal Ripken, Greg Maddux, Tommy Lasorda and many others.
Every guest speaker at the memorial seemed to agree that Tony was an inspiration to all those around him. To many he was a mentor, and to all he was a friend.
Tony Gwynn is remembered as a great player and great man.After the ceremony, number 19 remains on field.Petco Park slowly empties after tribute ends.
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People arrive very early to get good seats for tonight’s organ concert.
Mere pictures and words are inadequate to describe the fantastic concert I enjoyed this evening in Balboa Park. Tonight was the first Monday concert at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion of the Summer International Organ Festival.
The special guest organist was Anthony Newman, widely considered one of the foremost Baroque musicians in the United States. He’s made countless recordings, won numerous awards, performed at New York City’s prestigious Lincoln Center more than 60 times, and was described by Wynton Marsalis as “The High Priest of Bach.” Tonight’s concert, I’m glad to say, was jam packed with Johann Sebastian Bach–my absolute favorite composer!
Anthony Newman seemed superhuman at times. He played difficult pieces with ease, crispness and energy. It was flawless poetry and simply amazing. The concert was over much too soon!
Here are a few pics!
Spreckels Organ Society membership table and a smile.Anticipating first concert of the Summer International Organ Festival.Big banner on Organ Pavilion’s colonnade announces the free event.Rolling out the red carpet for great American organist Anthony Newman.Flag and a bronze plaque of the historic pavilion.Beautiful building is a treat for the eye in changing light.Elegant peek by organ assistant at the growing crowd.Dr. Carol Williams, San Diego’s Civic Organist, announces guest artist.Famed Baroque organist Anthony Newman greets audience.A masterful performance on the Spreckels Organ begins.
Those pipes you see on the left side of the stage form the new Centennial Tuba rank, soon to be added to the Spreckels Organ for its one hundredth anniversary on New Year’s Eve!
Anthony Newman acknowledges long, enthusiastic applause.KUSI television cameraman records a portion of the event.The lights come on in the twilight and the pavilion becomes magical.There are 1400 embedded lights in the main structure and colonnades.
The Spreckels Organ Pavilion was built for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition. You can observe similar plaster ornamentation on the Spanish Colonial Revival style buildings that line El Prado, in the center of Balboa Park.
Night descends and people stretch their legs during intermission.
My camera is worthless at night, so I recorded only half of the evening. But the music throughout was amazing! What a brilliant start to the 2014 International Organ Festival!
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Every kind of yummy food at the San Diego County Fair.
Holy macaroni! I want to eat everything in sight! Much of it is deep fried, most is super sugary, and it all appears delectably scrumptious! At the big San Diego County Fair, which takes place every year at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, all sorts of tasty food are easily found. Food stands are waiting for you in every direction! It’s a shame my blog doesn’t feature savory smells. You’d press your nose right up next to the screen!
Fresh squeezed lemonade in the Fun Zone.Funnel cakes and bacon donuts!Tecate beer at Plaza de Mexico.Visitors feast at picnic benches during the 2014 Fab Fair.Lots of ribs, burgers and colossal curly fries.Caramel apples, cupcakes, and Indian fry bread.Hot dogs and sausages on sticks!Eating on the run with so much to see and do!Giant smoked turkey legs and roasted corn.Turkey legs are popular at the San Diego County Fair.Chicken and waffles, fried Oreos, zucchini curls!Gotta sit down my tummy is so full!
Is your stomach growling yet?
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The 2014 San Diego County Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds is bigger, crazier and more exciting than ever. If you want to enjoy a really fun time, go check it out! But expect huge crowds!
The theme this year is the Fab Fair, a commemoration of the fifty year anniversary of the Beatles coming to America. Prepare to relive the 60’s in ways you’d never imagine!
On a lark I rode the Coaster from downtown up to Del Mar for the big Opening Day. I didn’t have any sort of plan; I just walked about the fairgrounds randomly the way I often do. But I did discover and photograph lots of cool stuff!
Would you like to see some pics? Let’s start at the West Gate and begin our walk through the enormous Fun Zone…
Make a pool shot and win a stuffed one-eyed Minion!Persuasive carny almost convinces me to throw a ring at a duck.Gazing up at ride in San Diego County Fair’s Fun Zone.The wacky Fun House lures fair-goers and one curious photo-taker.Now we’re near the historic Del Mar Fairgrounds Grandstand.Ms. Senior Nevada performs on the Plaza Stage.Lots of crafts at the Design in Wood exhibition.
Now we’ve headed inside a building adjacent to the Del Mar Racetrack’s big Grandstand. There is also a dazzling Gems, Minerals and Jewelry exhibition which is well worth checking out.
Master woodworker demonstrates planing skills.Student Showcase contains art by high school students.
Many of the fair’s exhibits were in the large Grandstand building. Displays of art, food, clothing, collectibles, and everything imaginable filled several floors. It all had been entered by creative San Diegans, with the hope of winning a blue ribbon.
Home and Hobby exhibition includes many Beatles collectibles.Big crowd outside enjoys fair beneath the Skyway.Demonstrating a fancy vegetable peeler inside Bing Crosby Hall.
The huge Bing Crosby hall is where all sorts of odd gadgets and unique products are touted by eager salespeople!
Psychedelic VW Beetle at the outside Garden Show.
The outdoor and indoor Garden Show is one of my favorite parts of the annual fair. There were many beautiful and creative landscape exhibits.
Cool little keyhole garden can be grown anywhere.Fab Four include Paul, John, George and Ringo.Fun, whimsical display at the popular Garden Show.Lots of hippie-themed stuff to buy everywhere.Here are the good old Footsie Wootsie machines!
I remember these crazy machines at the fair when I was a kid, and that was many years ago!
Just inside the San Diego County Fair’s O’Brien Gate main entrance.Man walks into the Fab Fair Experience.People pose to recreate old Beatles album cover.Lots of displays remember the British Invasion of the 60’s.Sign above the Livestock Barn.
Now let’s go check out some livestock. It’s the county fair, after all!
Judge scores llama in a ring near livestock barn.Young lady looks worried as she prepares to show her goat.Sheep were being sheered in a smaller nearby barn.I missed the Swifty Swine pig racing event!Rescue personnel perform demonstration in Del Mar Arena.Back outside we discover a giant Florida gator.Wall of the Wyland Center has a cool whale mural.
That whale and the underwater scene around it were painted by famed marine-life artist Wyland at the 2006 San Diego County Fair.
Cool photo of extremely popular 2014 San Diego County Fair.The giant Ferris wheel turns in the summer sky.
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Cool San Diego Sights! 