Signs containing wisdom enlighten the city.

A small handwritten sign seen in a San Diego window. The danger of falling in love is falling in love.
A small handwritten sign seen in a San Diego window. The danger of falling in love is falling in love.

Here are some wise (or seemingly wise) signs that I’ve photographed during my walks around downtown San Diego. Some enlighten passersby, some add a touch of lightness or levity to daily life.

If there is one thing that Republicans and Democrats can agree on is that coffee is Great! Indeed, many things in life are.
If there is one thing that Republicans and Democrats can agree on is that coffee is Great! Indeed, many things in life are.
Perhaps this is wise. Perhaps not. Play today, work mañana.
Perhaps this is wise. Perhaps not. Play today, work mañana.
Hazard. One word warns of unseen danger under the smooth, peaceful water of San Diego Bay.
Hazard. One small word to the wise, warning of unseen danger under the deceptively peaceful water of San Diego Bay.
More wisdom inside another downtown window. Live in the moment, take chances, be here now, tell someone how much they mean to you.
More wise philosophy inside a downtown window. Live in the moment, take chances, be here now, tell someone how much they mean to you.
Sign on San Diego sidewalk. With our thoughts we make the world. Buddha.
Sign on San Diego sidewalk with a powerful, insightful quote. With our thoughts we make the world. Buddha.

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

Do you like to read short philosophical stories? You might enjoy checking out Short Stories by Richard.

Funny Irish pub signs in San Diego.

If you're lucky enough to be Irish, then you're lucky enough.
If you’re lucky enough to be Irish, then you’re lucky enough.

St. Patrick’s Day is almost upon us! Here are a few warm and funny Irish pub signs that I’ve spotted while walking around downtown San Diego.

I can resist anything but temptation.
I can resist anything but temptation.
Sláinte! A toast to good luck and good health. Whatever your beverage, be sure and raise a glass in toast to St. Patrick, to the Irish and to yourself.
Sláinte! A toast to good luck and good health. Whatever your beverage, be sure and raise a glass in toast to St. Patrick, to the Irish and to yourself.
Here's to a long life and a merry one. A quick death and an easy one. A pretty girl and an honest one. A cold beer and another one!
Here’s to a long life and a merry one. A quick death and an easy one. A pretty girl and an honest one. A cold beer and another one!
Drink up! It makes other people more interesting. (I think I spotted this in front of an Irish pub. Or perhaps it was just an ordinary San Diego bar.)
Drink up! It makes other people more interesting. (I think I spotted this in front of an Irish pub. Or perhaps it was just an ordinary San Diego bar.)
Lovely day for a Guinness. Especially if you're a horse enjoying a nice leisurely ride.
Lovely day for a Guinness. Especially if you’re a horse enjoying a nice leisurely ride.

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

Do you like to read short pieces of thought-provoking fiction? Please visit Short Stories by Richard.

Irish pride on display at big St. Patrick’s Day Parade!

Irish damsels on horseback linger before start of the 2016 St. Patrick's Day Parade in San Diego.
Very elegant Celtic damsels on horseback linger before start of the 2016 St. Patrick’s Day Parade in San Diego.

Here come a bunch of fun pics! I took these this morning as folks were getting ready for the big annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival in San Diego. I saw all sorts of Irish pride on display. Lots of smiles. Lots of laughter. Enjoy!

Members of the 3rd West Cork Brigade were dressed in period costume to demonstrate their Irish pride.
Members of the 3rd West Cork Brigade were dressed in period costume to demonstrate their Irish pride.
Irish gentlemen in green jackets cross the grass at the west end of Balboa Park.
Irish gentlemen in green jackets cross the grass at the west end of Balboa Park.  The festival was just getting started.
An Old Irish Pub sign at the big St. Patrick's Day Festival next to the parade route.
An Old Irish Pub sign at the big St. Patrick’s Day Festival next to the parade route.
This funny fellow was carrying the Morning Paper down Sixth Avenue.
This funny fellow was carrying the Morning Paper down Sixth Avenue.
I see this friendly smiling clown every year at the parade!
I see this friendly smiling clown every year at the parade!
Young and old alike celebrate Ireland and wear the green.
Young and old alike celebrate Ireland and wear the green.
I saw lots of Irish Setters, of course.
I saw lots of Irish Setters, of course.
Someone watches as members of local United States Marine Corps band practice. Photo taken near Balboa Park's lawn bowling green.
Someone watches as members of local United States Marine Corps band rehearse. Photo taken near Balboa Park’s lawn bowling green.
Marine Band San Diego gets ready to participate in the 2016 St. Patrick's Day Parade.
Marine Band San Diego gets ready to participate in the 2016 St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Irish dancing was being performed on one stage an hour before the parade got underway.
Irish dancing was being performed on one stage an hour before the parade got underway.
Bagpiper players and drummers form a circle as they practice for the big parade.
Bagpipe players and drummers form a circle as they practice for the big annual parade.
One of several large Irish Wolfhounds that were checking out the festivities.
One of several large Irish Wolfhounds that were checking out the festivities.
Some musicians get ready on a trailer beside the parade route. They're advertising Rope the Musical.
Some musicians get ready on a trailer beside the parade route. They’re advertising Rope the Musical.
And here are some old-fashioned penny-farthing enthusiasts.
And here are some old-fashioned penny-farthing enthusiasts.
Folks prepare their float for the St. Patrick's Day Parade. It will feature a big orange shamrock.
Folks prepare their float for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. It will feature a big orange shamrock.
The mascot of a local business gets a necklace of shiny green beads!
The mascot of a local business gets a necklace of shiny green beads!
Smiles, laughter, great fun, and lots of Irish pride.
Smiles, laughter, great fun, and lots of Irish pride.

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

Do you like to read short pieces of thought-provoking fiction? Please visit Short Stories by Richard.

Fun photos of Seaport Village Spring Busker Festival!

Murrugun the Mystic prepares to swallow a real sword. He currently holds the world record for longest sword swallow. He has starred on AMC's Freakshow and many other television shows.
Murrugun the Mystic prepares to swallow a real sword. He currently holds the world record for longest sword swallow. He has starred on AMC’s Freakshow and many other television shows!

Wow, what a day! Where do I begin? How about with this weekend’s awesome Seaport Village Spring Busker Festival!

This is the third year in a row I’ve attended the fantastic event. It’s as good as ever! Here are some photos from today to prove it!

If you’re in San Diego tomorrow, head on over to Seaport Village to check out the busker action! On Sunday the various acts will be performing from 12pm – 6pm.

The 2016 Seaport Village Spring Busker Festival features many of the world's best street performers on several stages.
The 2016 Seaport Village Spring Busker Festival features many of the world’s best street performers on several stages.
I saw a few world-class jugglers, including the UniProShow's amazing Jamey Mossengren, a seven-time World Unicycle Champion!
I saw a few world-class jugglers, including the UniProShow’s amazing Jamey Mossengren, a seven-time World Unicycle Champion!
A performing duo called Her Majesty's Secret Circus Show had a funny act that included juggling, silliness and lots of bad jokes.
A performing duo called Her Majesty’s Secret Circus Show had a funny act that included juggling, silliness and lots of bad jokes.
A wicked-looking knife getting readied at the Seaport Village Spring Busker Festival!
A wicked-looking knife getting readied at the Seaport Village Spring Busker Festival!
A secret agent with a bow and plunger prepares to shoot at a bullseye held by another secret agent on a unicycle.
A secret agent with a bow and plunger prepares to shoot at a bullseye held by another secret agent on a unicycle.
CREW was providing crazy good percussive beats using old garbage cans and other odd household objects.
CREW was providing crazy good percussive beats using old garbage cans and other odd household objects.
Fantastic break dancing and acrobatics were the specialty of the super entertaining Flying Tortillas!
Fantastic break dancing and acrobatics were the specialty of the super entertaining Flying Tortillas!
Audience members are readied for a rare stunt. A member of the Flying Tortillas will run and launch himself bodily over six people!
Audience members are readied for a rare stunt. A member of the Flying Tortillas will run and launch himself bodily over six people! Can he make it? You’ll have to go see for yourself!
Murrugun the Mystic breathes fire. He is keeping the old circus sideshow traditions alive.
Murrugun the Mystic breathes fire. He is keeping the old circus sideshow traditions alive.

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can enjoy more Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

More funny signs and sights in San Diego!

Sip Happens! It's Okay To Wine Sometimes.
Sip Happens! It’s Okay To Wine Sometimes.

Here are a dozen more funny signs and sights that I’ve spotted in downtown San Diego. Since many of these photographs were taken around the Gaslamp Quarter with its many restaurants and bars, it isn’t surprising that a popular theme is Eat, Drink and Be Merry.

A crabby sign. Eat me! Bite me!
A crabby sign. Eat me! Bite me!
Two funny, silly mannequin heads in a shop window.
Two funny, silly mannequin heads in a shop window.
Some call it bitching. I call it motivational speaking.
Some call it bitching. I call it motivational speaking.
Please leave quietly. Let the neighbors sleep.
Please leave quietly. Let the neighbors sleep.
A sign warns: Beware of Little Monsters.
A sign warns: Beware of Little Monsters.
Sea Nile
Sea Nile
The National Beer Pong League
The National Beer Pong League
This alien lifeguard in a yellow hard hat is about to be clobbered by Superman!
This alien lifeguard in a yellow hard hat is about to be clobbered by Superman!
People who say it's the thought that counts give shitty gifts.
People who say “It’s the thought that counts” give shitty gifts.
I distrust camels and anyone else who can go a week without a drink.
I distrust camels and anyone else who can go a week without a drink.
One hundred percent of scientists agree that alcohol is a solution!
One hundred percent of scientists agree that alcohol is a solution!

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Cool art battle: An elephant versus a dinosaur!

Exotic elephant on wall of the Crest Cafe in Hillcrest, created by San Diego artist Cody Griffith in 2012.
Exotic elephant on wall of the Crest Cafe in Hillcrest, created by San Diego artist Cody Griffith in 2012.

Here are two of my favorite street murals in San Diego. The colorful elephant appears on the outside west wall of the Crest Cafe in Hillcrest. It was painted by local artist Cody Griffith in 2012. The monstrous Tyrannosaurus rex dinosaur with a funny fuzzy rider can be seen in North Park, at the corner of University Avenue and Ray Street. This cool urban artwork was created by Mark Paul Deren, who also goes by the name Madsteez.

It’s a street art battle of monstrous proportions!

Funny urban art in North Park. A cool T. rex and fuzzy rider rise high above a concrete mixer truck. Created by artist Mark Paul Deren, also known as Madsteez.
Funny urban art in North Park. A cool T. rex and rider rise high above a concrete mixer truck. Created by artist Mark Paul Deren, also known as Madsteez.
Another fun example of creativity in the diverse and wonderful city of San Diego.
Another fun example of creativity in the diverse and wonderful city of San Diego.

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Do you like to read original, thought-provoking fiction? Please visit Short Stories by Richard.

A flock of friendly ducks waiting for a bus!

A flock of fearless San Diego River ducks. The curious birds seem to wait for a morning bus at the Fashion Valley Transit Center.
A flock of San Diego River ducks. The curious birds seem to wait for a morning bus at the Fashion Valley Transit Center.

Just a quick, fun post!

This morning, a flock of San Diego River ducks were happily waddling about the Fashion Valley Transit Center. They fearlessly mingled with the humans, who watched the proceedings with amusement. Perhaps those curious feathered friends were also waiting for a bus!

Unusual sights that make you look twice!

Cross when no one is looking.
Cross when no one is looking.

Here are a few sights that make pedestrians walking down the sidewalk look twice! I know they attracted the attention of my camera! I took all of these photos in downtown San Diego. A couple of the images I captured recently; others are old pics I’ve been holding onto for several months.

Street art on building of someone "singing the blues".
Bold painting on a building of someone singing the “blues”.
A door that might tempt people walking down the sidewalk. A nearby sign reads WELCOME You Love Happy Fun.
This door might tempt people walking down the sidewalk. A nearby sign reads: WELCOME You Love Happy Fun.
A cool dragon mural in the small Chinatown section of downtown San Diego.
A cool dragon mural in the small Chinatown section of downtown San Diego. By artist Mirto Golino.
This freaky alien seems to leap from a weathered painted utility box.
This freaky alien seems to leap from a weathered street art utility box.
What appear to be three sacred geometry mandalas decorate a sidewalk. These and others can be seen in various locations around San Diego.
What appear to be three sacred geometry mandalas decorate a sidewalk. These and others can be seen in various locations around San Diego.
Funky, eye-catching urban art brightens the entrance to a dance studio.
Funky, eye-catching urban art brightens the entrance to a dance studio. I believe it was painted by artist Fizix.
A guy hanging out in front of the Hard Rock Hotel in the Gaslamp made these three dimensional origami stars using scraps of paper. Each one takes about two hours to make.
A guy hanging out in front of the Hard Rock Hotel in the Gaslamp made these three dimensional origami stars using scraps of paper. I was told each one takes about two hours to make.

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Do you like to read original, thought-provoking fiction? Please visit Short Stories by Richard.

Another Bart Club in San Diego’s North Park!

Is it Bartman? No? It must be another funny Bart Simpson superhero identity. This cool utility box is located in North Park!
Is it Bartman? No? Then it must be another funny Bart Simpson superhero identity. This cool utility box is located in North Park!

Here come photos of another Bart Club utility box! This fun street art can be found in North Park at the intersection of El Cajon Boulevard and 30th Street.

This is the fourth instance of zany Bart Simpson artwork I’ve documented on the Cool San Diego Sights blog. You might recall there’s another Bart Club utility box in North Park, not very far from this one.

Looking down San Diego's busy El Cajon Boulevard past some imaginative Bart Club street art.
Looking down El Cajon Boulevard in San Diego past some imaginative Bart Club street art.
Bart Simpson is a cat!
Bart Simpson is a cat!
Bart's face takes on different forms and expressions.
Bart’s face takes on different forms and expressions.
A cyclops eye or three eyes . . . Bart is one versatile cartoon character. A creative artist has fun with The Simpsons, the longest-running animated show in television history.
A cyclops eye or three eyes . . . Bart is one versatile cartoon character! A very creative artist has had some fun with The Simpsons, the longest-running animated show in television history.

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Pirate sneaks onto tall ship, begins cannon battle.

A smiling, innocent-looking pirate just walks along. People suspect nothing.
A smiling, innocent-looking pirate just walks along. People suspect nothing.

Did I actually see what I thought I saw?

Two tall ships were scheduled to have a mock cannon battle today on San Diego Bay. The reenactment was to be between the Maritime Museum of San Diego’s replica Revenue Cutter Californian (the official tall ship of the State of California) and the Lady Washington, a tall ship visiting from the Grays Harbor Historical Seaport Authority.

What happened?

Pirates!

Two very rascally pirates!

Read the photo captions and tell me where I am wrong!

Visitors to the Maritime Museum of San Diego have boarded the tall ship Californian, to engage in a mock cannon battle with visiting tall ship Lady Washington.
Visitors to the Maritime Museum of San Diego have boarded the tall ship Californian, to engage in a mock cannon battle with visiting tall ship Lady Washington.
In case you want to learn a bit more about Californian's sails and rigging, click this photo. Unfortunately, pirates know all about this stuff.
In case you want to learn a bit more about Californian’s sails and rigging, click this photo. Unfortunately, pirates know all about this stuff.
Notorious Captain Swordfish, that pirate who makes Blackbeard look perfectly civilized, comes striding along. He must have an evil scheme in mind.
Notorious Captain Swordfish, that pirate who makes Blackbeard look perfectly civilized, comes striding along. He must have another evil scheme in mind.
Captain Swordfish makes a scene, distracting those who are boarding the Lady Washington. Nobody notices what that first innocent-looking pirate is up to.
Captain Swordfish makes a crazy scene, distracting those who are boarding the Lady Washington. Nobody notices what that first innocent-looking pirate is up to.
That first pirate has taken control of Californian! It's heading out into San Diego Bay while a museum employee's back is turned!
That first pirate has taken control of Californian! It’s heading out into San Diego Bay while a museum employee’s back is turned!
Turn around! Turn around! That rascal is stealing your ship!
Turn around! Turn around! That rascal is stealing your ship!
The Californian comes about and launches an attack on the Maritime Museum! The insolence! Deadly cannons thunder and echo throughout downtown San Diego!
The Californian comes about and launches an attack on the Maritime Museum! The insolence! Deadly cannons thunder and echo throughout downtown San Diego!
Oh, dear! Oh, dear!
Oh, dear! Oh, dear!
The Maritime Museum employee quickly loads one of the land battery cannons, and gets ready to fire! That pirate won't get away so easily!
The Maritime Museum employee quickly loads one of the land battery cannons, and gets ready to fire! That pirate won’t get away so easily!
An epic battle begins!
An epic battle begins!

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