Tag: events

Festival celebrates Wizard of Oz in Coronado!

Festival celebrates Oz at Spreckels Park in Coronado.
Festival celebrates all things Oz at Spreckels Park in Coronado.

Today a special event was held in Coronado’s Spreckels Park celebrating The Wizard of Oz and L. Frank Baum’s other popular children’s novels. The family festival was put on to coincide with the 50th annual Winkie Con, a convention for fans of the Land of Oz.

Winkie Con, now also called Oz Con International (I suspect to sound like Comic-Con International), is growing in popularity and will be held next week for the first time in San Diego. This year also marks the 75th anniversary of the classic Wizard of Oz movie, starring Judy Garland!

I strolled through the happy, colorful Coronado festival and got a few pics. According to what I’ve read, there were all sorts of activities during the day, including a children’s parade.

I then sauntered across Orange Avenue and took several photos of the famous Wizard of Oz stained glass wall inside the Coronado Public Library!

Dorothy and a Wicked Witch walk along checking out some art.
Dorothy and a Wicked Witch walk along checking out some art.
Art along Orange Avenue sidewalk includes images from the Oz books.
Art along Orange Avenue sidewalk includes images from the Oz books.
Wizard of Oz characters were all over Spreckels Park today!
Wizard of Oz characters were all over Spreckels Park today!
People enjoy music at the bandstand on a warm summer day.
People enjoy music at the bandstand on a warm summer day.
Kids can follow the yellow brick road and spin a prize wheel.
Kids could follow the yellow brick road and spin a prize wheel.
These signs and balloons were all over the green grass.
These signs and balloons were all over the green grass.

I assume these were part of a fun kids activity.

The Cowardly Lion on stained glass at Coronado Public Library.
The Cowardly Lion on stained glass at Coronado Public Library.

Now I’m visiting the Coronado Library which is located across the street from Spreckels Park.

Author L. Frank Baum spent a good deal of time in Coronado, writing many of his novels in a rented house not far from the Hotel del Coronado.  (You might check out my earlier blog post on this subject!)  He modeled the Emerald City of Oz after the fantastic, world famous Victorian beach resort hotel.

Because of its strong connection with L. Frank Baum, Coronado today is often referred to as the Emerald City!

These fun Wizard of Oz glass panels in the library were created by artist Brenda Smith.

The Scarecrow greets library visitors.
The Scarecrow greets two crows and library visitors.
Dorothy, Toto and Munchkins are a permanent feature of the library!
Dorothy, Toto and Munchkins are a permanent feature of the library!

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Comic-Con morning near the convention center.

Huge Resurrection ad on Petco Park baseball stadium.
Huge Resurrection ad on Petco Park baseball stadium.

Early this morning, shortly after sunrise, I headed down toward the Gaslamp to see what was going on at 2014 San Diego Comic-Con. Thousands of people had gravitated around the convention center and were waiting in long lines to be the first inside and attend popular panels.

I walked from the east side of Petco Park, over the Harbor Drive pedestrian bridge, and past the Hilton Hotel to the back of the convention center. I then walked back around to the front and across the street to the Gaslamp trolley station. Here is what I saw:

Sleepy Hollow covered bridge recreated in Petco Park parking lot.
Sleepy Hollow covered bridge recreated in Petco Park parking lot.
This big Once Upon a Time banner is falling off Petco Park!
This big Once Upon a Time banner is falling off Petco Park!

I walked a bit northwest along Tony Gwynn Drive to get this picture.

Workers push huge Homer Simpson eyeball into a big yellow head.
Workers push huge Homer Simpson eyeball into a big yellow head.

Now I’m across Harbor Drive directly in front of the Hilton.

Homer's Dome area opened on Friday behind the convention center.
Homer’s Dome area opened on Friday behind the convention center.
One of the fun Simpsons games set up on the grass by the Hilton hotel.
One of the fun Simpsons games set up on the grass by the Hilton hotel.
Gotham skyline contains Riddler's and Penguin's not-so-secret lairs.
Gotham skyline contains Riddler’s and Penguin’s not-so-secret lairs.

This is between Homer’s Dome and the San Diego bay.

A long zip line lets daring Comic-Con guests fly past Gotham City!
A long zip line lets daring Comic-Con guests fly past Gotham City!
Comic-Con fans wait in long lines for popular panels.
Comic-Con fans wait in long lines for popular panels.
Vehicle from Into the Storm, a new movie about storm chasers.
Vehicle from Into the Storm, a new movie about storm chasers.
Fan sitting by the bay behind San Diego Convention Center looks wicked.
Fan sitting by the bay behind San Diego Convention Center looks wicked.
Looks like a huge Godzilla is on the rampage in San Diego!
Looks like a huge Godzilla is on the rampage in San Diego!
The fearsome monster rises darkly into the sky and now I'm worried.
The fearsome monster rises darkly into the sky and now I’m worried.
Smiling Wonder Girl is here to handle the dire situation!
Smiling Wonder Girl is here to handle the dire situation!
Someone inside this costume will keep us all safe, thank goodness.
Someone inside this costume will keep us all safe, thank goodness.
News reporter talks with very elegantly dressed Star Wars characters.
News reporter talks with very elegantly dressed Star Wars characters.
Cool cosplayers were in front of the convention center before it opened.
Cool cosplayers were in front of the convention center before it opened.
Batman zoomed by. I used Gimp cartoon mode to make blurry pic fun!
Batman zoomed by. I used Gimp cartoon filter to improve blurry pic!
Captain America and others head across Harbor Drive to the Gaslamp.
Captain America and others head across Harbor Drive to the Gaslamp.

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Cosplay and Comic-Con craziness in the Gaslamp!

Gentleman heads toward downtown's Gaslamp with a Spiderman tie.
Gentleman heads toward downtown’s Gaslamp with a Spiderman tie.

Except for the very last photo, I snapped these pics today in the early evening as I walked around downtown San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. 2014 San Diego Comic-Con is in full swing!

Cool Adult Swim car seems to offer free rides around San Diego.
Cool Adult Swim car seems to offer free rides around San Diego.
Steampunk guys heading down toward the center of cosplay action.
Mad Hatter guys heading down toward the center of cosplay action.
It's Spidey driving a pedicab and giving me a thumbs up!
It’s Spidey driving a pedicab and giving me a thumbs up!
Lifetime Channel is to hold a Witches event tonight in San Diego.
Lifetime Channel is to hold a Witches event tonight in San Diego.
Mobile advertisement for the Sin City sequel, A Dame to Kill For.
Mobile advertisement for the Sin City sequel, A Dame to Kill For.
This colorful shop is appealing to the huge Comic-Con crowd.
This colorful shop is appealing to the huge Comic-Con crowd.
Gaslamp Reading Cinemas has showings, including Star Wars Rebels.
Gaslamp Reading Cinemas has showings, including Star Wars Rebels.
Flash sign is a window wrap near Petco Park.
Flash sign is a window wrap near Petco Park.
Two hostesses at a local restaurant are dressed for Comic-Con.
Two hostesses at a local restaurant are dressed for Comic-Con.
Lady with gigantic identification card is promoting Community.
Lady with gigantic identification card is promoting Community.
Lady swings in middle of the cool Assassin's Creed obstacle course.
Lady swings in middle of the cool Assassin’s Creed obstacle course.
This happy family belongs to the Justice League.
This happy family belongs to the Justice League.
Oh my goodness! That might be the real Dark Knight facing me!
Oh my goodness! That might be the real Dark Knight facing me!
Witches were chanting in a circle by the Gaslamp trolley station.
Witches were chanting in a circle by the Gaslamp trolley station.
One witch hexes me with her spooky red eyes.
One witch hexes me with her spooky red eyes.
Superman is down but not out.
Superman is down but not out.
Is that an angry bird or a happy bird, I wonder.
Is that an angry bird or a happy bird, I wonder.
That arm looks downright formidable.
That arm looks downright formidable.
This fantastic beast is called the Giant Creature. It's piloted by a small alien on top. The creature was moving about for the nearby crowd.
Giant Creature catches the attention of Comic-Con fans near the Tin Fish.

This fantastic beast is called the Giant Creature. It’s piloted by a small alien on top. No, actually it contains four people who move the huge limbs from inside. The creature was slowly moving about for the nearby crowd.

Giant Creature is promoting a new fun phone app called Blippar.
Giant Creature is promoting a new fun phone app called Blippar.
Pedicabs become pirate ships and carriages for Once Upon a Time.
Pedicabs become pirate ships and carriages for Once Upon a Time.
This tough vehicle is from the upcoming Brad Pitt movie Fury.
This tough vehicle is from the upcoming Brad Pitt movie Fury.
Dead Island 2 ad on back of enterprising pedicab.
Dead Island 2 ad on back of enterprising pedicab.
Here comes Wonder Woman from the convention center across street.
Here comes Wonder Woman from the convention center across street.
This guy is Green Goblin of Mordor.
This guy is Green Goblin of Mordor.
Crazy people wearing shark heads were promoting Sharknado 2.
Crazy people wearing shark heads were promoting Sharknado 2.
Young Leia has Sharknado 2 chainsaw.
Young Princess Leia has a Sharknado 2 chainsaw.
Just a whole bunch of fun cosplay up and down the crowded streets!
Just a whole bunch of fun cosplay up and down the crowded streets!
Boy shows cool costume as I cross street in Mission Valley this morning.
Boy shows cool costume as I cross street in Mission Valley this morning.

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Pics of 2014 San Diego Comic-Con Preview Night!

Thousands crammed San Diego Convention Center for Preview Night!
Thousands crammed San Diego Convention Center for Preview Night!

I finally sorted through a bunch of photos from 2014 San Diego Comic-Con Preview Night, which ended just a few hours ago! Many images came out blurry, poorly composed or marred by glare from bright lights in the convention center’s ceiling. I did manage to capture a few decent pics which provide an idea of the extraordinary, mind-blowing experience. Three hours raced by in a flash as I wandered with a friend about the endless and amazing displays. I hope you enjoy this small glimpse…

Loads of awesomely cool stuff was literally everywhere one turned.
Loads of awesomely cool stuff was literally everywhere one turned.
Anything imaginable could be bought, including Star Trek uniforms.
Anything imaginable could be bought, including Star Trek uniforms.
Models of science fiction and fantasy characters were everywhere.
Models of science fiction and fantasy characters were everywhere.
Spiderman figurine just one of hundreds on display.
Spiderman figurine just one of hundreds on display.
Rocket Raccoon was a very popular character.
Rocket Raccoon was a very popular character.
Huge Marvel mural contained the new Thor and Captain America.
Huge Marvel mural contained the new Thor and Captain America.
I recognized this tiny alien from Men in Black.
I recognized this tiny alien from Men in Black.
Mace Windu in a movie clip shown above huge Star Wars exhibit.
Mace Windu in a movie clip shown above huge Star Wars exhibit.
Cool detailed model of Boba Fett.
Cool detailed model of Boba Fett.
One of many Darth Vaders at Comic-Con!
One of many Darth Vaders at San Diego Comic-Con!
This is a special, huge Darth Vader Hot Wheels car!
This is a special, huge Darth Vader Hot Wheels car!
I spotted the DeLorean from Back to the Future!
I spotted the DeLorean from Back to the Future!
Super scary looking Predator head.
Super scary looking Predator head.
Looks like a T. Rex devouring a nearby Nazgul.
Almost looks like this T. Rex is devouring a nearby Nazgul.
I modified this blurry image of the DC exhibit.
I tried to jazz up this sadly blurry image of the DC exhibit.
Wonder Woman in a glass case and passing fans.
Wonder Woman in a glass case and passing fans.
Cowl used by Michael Keaton in first Batman movie.
Cowl used by Michael Keaton in first Batman movie.
Cowl used by George Clooney in Batman and Robin.
Cowl used by George Clooney in Batman and Robin.
Batarangs used as props in various movies.
Batarangs used as props in various movies.
Clown masks used in heist scene in The Dark Knight.
Clown masks used in heist scene in The Dark Knight.
MAD magazine's Alfred E. Neuman.
Mosaic of MAD magazine’s Alfred E. Neuman.
Alfred E. Neuman evolves from a caveman.
Alfred E. Neuman evolves from a caveman.
Swag bags were handy for 2014 San Diego Comic-Con Preview Night.
Swag bags were handy for 2014 San Diego Comic-Con Preview Night.
Art, prints, comics, collectibles, you name it was for sale and on display.
Art, prints, comics, collectibles, you name it was for sale and on display.
Huge Alien pod was an isolation chamber for video game players.
Huge Alien pod was an isolation chamber for video game players.
Lots of video games could be sampled including realistic racers.
Lots of video games could be sampled including realistic racers.
Comic books are a staple of San Diego Comic-Con.
Comic books are a staple of San Diego Comic-Con.
Even Sponge Bob has his own crazy comic.
Even Sponge Bob has his own crazy comic.
Horror paintings from Clive Barker's Imaginer art book on display.
Horror paintings from Clive Barker’s Imaginer art book on display.
Gollum with a tasty fish poses with Tolkien fan.
Gollum with a tasty fish poses with Tolkien fan.
Elven helmet from Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Elven helmet from Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Smaug from The Hobbit was a popular attraction during Preview Night.
Smaug from The Hobbit was a popular attraction during Preview Night.
Bright cartoon faces hover above the Nickelodeon exhibit.
Bright cartoon faces hover above the Nickelodeon exhibit.
Another sample of sheer fun and eye-catching delights.
Another sample of sheer fun and eye-catching delights.
You could buy official Wonder Woman bracelets!
You could buy official Wonder Woman bracelets!
Batman and his rogue's gallery are always popular.
Batman and his rogue’s gallery are always super popular.
Warner Bros. was promoting their superheroic television lineup.
Warner Bros. was promoting their superhero television lineup.
Fantastic art filled row upon row. You could spend hours just looking.
Fantastic art filled row upon row. You could spend hours just looking.
Geek Nation did a fine job creating this fellow.
Geek Nation did a fine job creating this fellow.
Kids young and old were just having a big load of fun.
Kids young and old were just having a big load of fun.
You could win a White Walker mask from Game of Thrones.
You could win a White Walker mask from Game of Thrones.

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Cool stuff rises for 2014 Comic-Con!

Workers put up Blacklist venue for 2014 San Diego Comic-Con.
Workers put up special venue for 2014 San Diego Comic-Con.

This afternoon, four days before the start of 2014 San Diego Comic-Con, I went for a walk around the Gaslamp and convention center and took a bunch of very unique pictures!

Check out some photos of construction workers assembling cool event venues, hanging banners, applying gigantic building wraps, and painting colorful advertising murals for the upcoming San Diego Comic-Con!

Enjoy!

Fans going through this door will get to be put on the Blacklist.
This structure will promote the new Constantine television show.
Blacklist site is by the convention center and Omni Hotel.
Blacklist site is by the convention center and Omni Hotel.
Gaslamp's Tin Fish restaurant to be taken over by the Blacklist.
Gaslamp’s Tin Fish restaurant to be taken over by the Blacklist.
Hannibal poster with Comic-Con construction in background.
Hannibal poster with Comic-Con construction in background.
Grimm ad by the Gaslamp trolley station.
Grimm ad by the Gaslamp trolley station.
Emerald City will be a new NBC TV series.
Emerald City will be a brand new NBC TV series.
Brad Pitt's Fury on side of the Hard Rock Hotel.
Brad Pitt’s Fury splashed on side of the Hard Rock Hotel.
Workers take break while hanging 2014 San Diego Comic-Con banner!
Workers take break while hanging big 2014 San Diego Comic-Con banner!
Several Comic-Con banners already on San Diego Convention Center.
Several Comic-Con banners already on San Diego Convention Center.
Huge Legends building wrap on Marriott Hotel features Sean Bean.
Huge Legends building wrap on Marriott Hotel features Sean Bean.
Workers on platform apply Legends graphic on building for Comic-Con!
Workers on platform apply Legends graphic on building for Comic-Con!
Magic 2015 table top gaming poster on Marriott Hotel parking wall.
Magic 2015 table top gaming poster on Marriott Hotel parking wall.
True Blood banners hang from San Diego trolley posts.
True Blood banners have been hung from San Diego trolley posts.
Huge Simpsons wrap being applied to Marriott!
Huge Simpsons wrap rises colorfully on the Marriott!

Looks like the left half of the Simpsons graphic is up so far.

Simpsons TV show to launch on FXX.
Simpsons TV marathon to launch in August on FXX.
Assassin's Creed obstacle course being installed across Harbor Drive.
Assassin’s Creed obstacle course being installed across Harbor Drive.
Obstacle course includes jumping and climbing.
Obstacle course includes lots of jumping and climbing.
Ubisoft's video game Assassin's Creed Unity to debut at 2014 Comic-Con.
Ubisoft’s video game Assassin’s Creed Unity to debut at 2014 Comic-Con.
New television show The Strain has mural painted on Gaslamp building.
New television show The Strain has mural painted on Gaslamp building.
Worker paints worm dangling from a huge bulging eyeball!
Worker paints worm dangling from a huge bulging eyeball!

Stay tuned! Many more pics are coming!

UPDATE!!!

Here come more pics that I took early Tuesday morning, with about 48 hours to go before 2014 Comic-Con officially opens…

The Strain building mural is finally completed.
The Strain building mural is finally completed.
The Assassin’s Creed obstacle course looks half finished on Tuesday.
The Assassin’s Creed obstacle course looks half finished on Tuesday.
The Interview on Hard Rock Hotel with James Franco and Seth Rogen.
The Interview on Hard Rock Hotel with James Franco and Seth Rogen.
Large blue Constantine dome appears to be covered with strange runes.
Large blue Constantine dome appears to be covered with strange runes.
Constantine banners hang by the Gaslamp trolley station.
Constantine banners hang by the Gaslamp trolley station.
The Tin Fish restaurant completely covered with Blacklist graphics!
The Tin Fish restaurant now completely covered with Blacklist graphics!
History Channel mural on Petco Park advertises Vikings.
History Channel mural on Petco Park advertises Vikings.
Ascension building wrap being applied early Tuesday morning.
Ascension building wrap being applied early Tuesday morning.
Closer look at Ascension graphics on Gaslamp building.
Closer look at Ascension graphics on Gaslamp building.
Goosebumps green face peers from Hard Rock Hotel.
Goosebumps green face peers from Hard Rock Hotel.

Here’s one last cool pic which I altered a bit by increasing the contrast:

View from San Diego Convention Center as Gotham trolley passes.
View from San Diego Convention Center as Gotham trolley passes.

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Cool sand sculptures at Sun and Sea Festival!

2014 Imperial Beach Sun and Sea sandcastle greets visitors.
2014 Imperial Beach Sun and Sea sandcastle greets visitors.

I had to take one more trip to Imperial Beach this summer because of another big, fun event by the pier. Today was the 2014 Sun and Sea Festival! The event replaces the U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition which came to an end back in 2011.

Master sandcastle builders who have won many international awards converged to demonstrate their craft and compete for top honors just north of the Imperial Beach pier. When I arrived, the creations were roughly half done. So I got a bunch of interesting photos of the artists in action!

Featured sand sculpture built by Kirk Rademaker of Sand Masters.
Featured sand sculpture built by Kirk Rademaker of Sand Masters.

This centerpiece sandcastle stood near the foot of the pier, adjacent to busy vendor tents, and a variety of other fun activities.

Crowd watches master sand sculptors creating fantastic works of art.
Crowd watches master sand sculptors creating fantastic works of art.

Looking north from the pier toward the field of action.

Teams north of Imperial Beach pier works on a detailed creations.
Teams north of Imperial Beach pier work on detailed creations.
Plastic fork with two tines removed is used to create stonework detail.
Plastic fork with two tines removed is used to create stonework detail.
Patience, planning and creativity on a Southern California beach!
Patience, planning and creativity on a Southern California beach!
Sand creations are sprinkled with water to prevent disintegration.
Sand creations are sprinkled with water to prevent disintegration.
Tall structure looks like an exaggerated Eiffel Tower.
Tall structure looks like an exaggerated Eiffel Tower.
Sand head props up photos used to model more amazing creations.
Sand head props up photos used to model  rat from Ratatouille.
One unique sand sculpture was all about dogs.
One unique sand sculpture was all about dogs.
A dog has its day at Camp Run a Mutt.
A beach dog has its day at Camp Run a Mutt.
A castle with tall spires in the Imperial Beach competition.
A castle with tall spires in the Imperial Beach competition.
The 2014 Sun and Sea Festival attracted many onlookers.
The 2014 Sun and Sea Festival attracted many onlookers.
Brushes are often used to smooth and contour the sand.
Brushes are often used to smooth and contour the sand.
Water and sand are mixed to form raw material.
Water and sand are mixed to form raw building material.
Close look at some detailed work getting started.
Close look at some detailed work getting started.
Artist works on a tire of a Transformers sand sculpture.
Artist works on a tire of a Transformers sand sculpture.

Unfortunately, the Transformers sculpture wasn’t too far along, so I couldn’t get more interesting pics.

I think this is an octopus.
I think this is an octopus.
Huge, complex sand sculpture with many team members working.
Huge, complex sand sculpture with many team members working.
Now and Then is the theme of this sculpture.
Now and Then is the theme of this sculpture.
Long straight edge turns a broad swath of level sand into a boardwalk.
Long straight edge turns a broad swath of level sand into a boardwalk.
I like how quaint this sandcastle appears!
I like how quaint this sandcastle appears!
The Sand Squirrels was one team competing at the festival.
The Sand Squirrels was one team competing at the festival.
Rocket's engine of the Futurama sand sculpture.
Rocket’s engine of the funny Futurama sand sculpture.
Robot appears to be doing some sun bathing!
Robot appears to be doing some sun bathing!
Super cool locomotive sand sculpture near the IB pier.
Super cool locomotive sand sculpture near the IB pier.
I liked this huge underground sand train most of all!
I liked this huge underground sand train most of all!
Everybody is watching the teams build their sand creations!
Everybody is watching the pros build their sand creations!
Kids on the pier's other side build castles, too!
Kids on the pier’s other side build castles, too!

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Pics of early San Diego Comic-Con preparation.

Gaslamp trolley station has superhero sign about a ticket app.
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 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!
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 odd Hulk is on a window of Gaslamp's Rockin' Baja.
This unusual Hulk is on one window of Rockin’ Baja.
Lobster with pointed ears. Steam me up, Scotty!
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.
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.
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.
Poster by trolley station promotes another season of Blacklist.
Alex Ross cool Justice League graphic above a Gaslamp door.
Alex Ross cool Justice League graphic above a Gaslamp door.
The Haunted Hotel has two scary Comic-Con dates.
The Haunted Hotel has two scary Comic-Con dates.
The Strain television show advertisement on Old Town Trolley Tours bus.
The Strain television show advertisement on Old Town Trolley Tours bus.

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Dog athletes surf big waves at Imperial Beach!

Dogs and their human pals arrive at the big surfing competition.
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 event everyone has waited for!
It’s the epic Surfdog summer event everyone has waited for!
Finishing touches put on a sand sculpture at Imperial Beach.
Finishing touches are put on a sand sculpture at Imperial Beach.
This dog can hardly wait to watch the intense action!
This dog can hardly wait to watch the intense animal action!
Information boards outline the various heats in the surf contest.
Information boards outline the various heats in the big surf contest.
Announcer readies for incredible pooch performances.
Announcer readies for some incredible pooch performances.
The VIP section fills and so does the beach and pier.
The VIP section fills and so does the beach and pier.
Dogs and non-dogs at water's edge have a great spot to watch.
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.
These guys want a great spot on the pier to view the action.
Everyone is ready for the first freestyle heat!
Everyone is ready for the first exciting freestyle heat!
This fellow doesn't seem to know what's going on.
This little fellow doesn’t seem to know what’s going on.
Surfing contestants mount their surfboards waiting for the horn.
Surfing contestants mount their surfboards waiting for the starting horn.
The crowd favorite, a superstar, poses for my camera.
The crowd favorite, a genuine superstar, poses for my camera.
The horn blows and the first fifteen minute heat begins!
The horn blows and the first fifteen minute heat begins!
The crowd converges toward the water in disbelief.
The crowd converges on the ocean in disbelief.
One four-legged athlete is already out near the breakers.
One four-legged athlete is already out near the breakers.
Here come two canine athletes showing great form!
Here come two canine athletes showing great form!
Steady as she goes!
Steady as she goes!
Hot dogging it and hanging twenty!
Hot dogging it and hanging twenty!
Wow, those amazing surfers are absolutely inhuman!
Wow, those incredible, amazing surfers are absolutely inhuman!
Thousands enjoy Unleashed by Petco's surf dog event!
Thousands enjoy Unleashed by Petco’s surf dog event!

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2014 Over The Line (OTL) World Championship!

Arriving at the long-time OTL venue on Fiesta Island.
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…

Old Mission Beach Athletic Club truck and banner.
Walking past an Old Mission Beach Athletic Club truck and banner.
People stand as day begins with the national anthem.
People stand as day begins with the national anthem.
Official OTL programs for sale near the entrance.
Official OTL programs for sale near the entrance.
Miss Emerson Headquarters is on sandy Emerson Street.
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.
Scoreboard for 61st World Championship of Over The Line.
Players and teams check the official schedule board.
Players and teams check the official schedule board.
Early in the morning many people are arriving.
Early in the morning and many people are arriving with chairs and coolers.
The OTL tournament doesn't begin until seven thirty.
The OTL tournament doesn’t begin until seven thirty.
San Diego Parrot Head Club lounge is still empty.
San Diego Parrot Head Club lounge is still empty at this early hour.
Guy checks out some silly, raunchy posters.
Guy checks out some silly, very raunchy posters.
A player practices fielding a batted ball.
A player practices fielding a batted ball.
The huge tournament finally begins in earnest!
The huge OTL tournament finally begins in earnest!
OTL ball is to be struck into a narrow outfield.
Ball is to be struck into a narrow outfield.
Lots more people will arrive throughout the day.
Lots more people will arrive throughout the day.
Some old guys just kicking back on the sand.
Some old guys just kicking back on the sand.
Marines from color guard pass on an OMBAC cart.
Marines from opening ceremony color guard pass on an OMBAC cart.
The t-shirt gardens shack is becoming more active.
The t-shirt gardens shack is becoming more active.
Hundreds of games of OTL will be played here over two weekends.
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.
San Diego’s sunny Fiesta Island is the home to Over The Line.

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Gaslamp shops prepare for 2014 Comic-Con.

Horton Plaza has display cases welcoming Comic-Con.
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.
Batman and Star Wars showcased for coming shoppers.
Bookstore in Horton Plaza has cool stickers and posters in their window.
Bookstore in Horton Plaza has cool stickers and posters in their window.
Justice League appears ready to fly off a shirt!
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.
Superman in Gaslamp window with Doctor Who salt and pepper set.
The Dark Knight watches from a historic Gaslamp building.
The Dark Knight silently watches from a historic Gaslamp building.
Gaslamp bar painted with Superman and POW word balloon.
Gaslamp bar window painted with Superman and POW word balloon.
The Chuck Jones Gallery really doesn't need more.
The Chuck Jones Gallery really doesn’t need anything more.
These San Diego Comic-Con signs will be everywhere!
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.
Boom Shop seems to be created for San Diego Comic-Con.
Even ACE Hardware is feeling heroic!
Even ACE Hardware is feeling heroic!
Wile E. Coyote holds Chuck Jones Gallery sign!
Wile E. Coyote holds Chuck Jones Gallery sign!
Batgirl costume on mannequin in local shop.
Batgirl costume on mannequin in a typical local shop.
Yogurt sign with Hulk, Supergirl, Spidey and Batman!
Yogurt sign with Hulk, Supergirl, Spidey and Batman!
Wolverine comic book on a t-shirt.
Wolverine comic book on a very cool t-shirt.

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