Tag: hollywood

A tour inside the historic Spreckels Theatre.

A tour group has entered the Spreckels Theatre from the Grand Lobby of the Spreckels Theater Building in downtown San Diego.
A tour group has entered the Spreckels Theatre from the Grand Lobby of the Spreckels Theater Building in downtown San Diego.

Several years ago I wrote a short blog about the Spreckels Theater Building on Broadway. I took a few photos of the six-story office building’s exterior and Grand Lobby. You can see those here.

During the San Diego Architectural Foundation 2018 OPEN HOUSE event last weekend, I enjoyed a tour of the Spreckels Theatre, which is found inside the large mixed-use building. Our group met in the building’s Grand Lobby near the original old box office, which for many years had been hidden and forgotten behind a wall. We then ventured into the theatre’s smaller elegant Baroque lobby.

After learning some fascinating history, we headed down an aisle through the theatre, up over the orchestra pit and right up onto the stage! By tilting our heads back we could gaze six floors straight up at the stage’s complex workings, and by walking a few steps off the stage, we could poke our noses into the three “Star” dressing suites.

Our group was provided with all sorts of cool information, but sadly I didn’t write it all down. We did learn that the Spreckels Theatre and the building that it’s housed in was built by San Diego entrepreneur and philanthropist John D. Spreckels, and was designed by Harrison Albight. The structure is built of concrete and steel–it actually contains more steel than nearby modern high-rises. The Grand Lobby outside the theatre entrance contains a vast quantity of beautiful onyx that was shipped in from Mexico.

When the theatre opened in 1912 it was the largest theatre of its kind west of New York City. The theatre originally had 1915 seats, to celebrate the 1915 Panama-California Exposition which would be held in Balboa Park. The theatre has been operating continuously for its entire existence–well over a hundred years. To this day, the theatre has one of the best acoustic ratings anywhere in the world.

Everyone in our tour group smiled when we heard about a 1923 production of Ben Hur, which included horse-drawn chariots actually racing across the Spreckel Theatre’s stage! Apparently the chariots raced in a circle through the lot behind the building, and would periodically come into the building to thunder across the stage!

The interior of the theatre was fairly dark during our tour, so many of my photographs didn’t come out very good. Please read the captions to learn some more about this very cool old theatre.

One additional thing! When questions were posed to the theatre’s manager, I asked whether Conan O’Brien would be returning to the Spreckels Theatre for 2018 San Diego Comic-Con. The answer was he almost certainly will!

The Grand Lobby shines with onyx brought in from Mexico. I learned this original box office was hidden for many years behind a wall and forgotten.
The Grand Lobby shines with onyx brought in from Mexico. I learned this original box office was hidden for many years behind a wall and forgotten.
A sign describes the Spreckels Theatre story. In the 1920's, it was transformed into a grand movie house, hosting Hollywood premieres and the leading stars of the day.
A sign describes the Spreckels Theatre story. In the 1920’s, it was transformed into a grand movie house, hosting Hollywood premieres and the leading stars of the day.
We've stepped into the lobby of the theatre. The amazing glass artwork above the entrance was created in 1983 by Yaakov Agam, commissioned by theatre President, Jacquelyn Littlefield.
We’ve stepped into the lobby of the theatre. The amazing glass artwork above the entrance was created in 1983 by Yaakov Agam, commissioned by theatre President, Jacquelyn Littlefield. Check out its very different reflection in the mirror!
The very elegant concession counter in the theatre, still in use today.
The very elegant concession counter in the theatre, still in use today.
Old photos in glass displays behind the lobby counter show the historic building, past movie stars and John D. Spreckels.
Old photos in glass displays behind the lobby’s counter show the historic building, past movie stars and John D. Spreckels.
Spreckels Theatre. Opening Night August 23, 1912.
Spreckels Theatre. Opening Night: August 23, 1912.
Looking up at light fixtures, one at the theatre lobby and one up some stairs at the Mezzanine.
Looking up at light fixtures, one at the theatre lobby and one up some stairs at the Mezzanine.
Portraits of Hollywood stars left of the front counter.
Portraits of Hollywood stars left of the front counter.
Early movie stars on the right side.
Early movie stars on the right side.
Resolution by San Diego City Council honoring Jacqelyn Littlefield Day, owner and operator of the beautiful Spreckels Theatre since 1970.
Resolution by San Diego City Council honoring Jacqelyn Littlefield Day, owner and operator of the beautiful Spreckels Theatre since 1970.
Cool poster from Conan O'Brien's appearance at the Spreckels Theatre during 2015 San Diego Comic-Con.
Cool poster from Conan O’Brien’s appearance at the Spreckels Theatre during 2015 San Diego Comic-Con.
Now we've entered the dark theatre where my camera struggles. Here's an idea of what you will see.
Now we’ve entered the dark theatre where my old camera struggles. Here’s an idea of what you will see.
Balcony seats surrounded by fantastic Baroque elegance.
Balcony seats surrounded by fantastic Baroque elegance.
One of two plaster sculptures by Charles C. Cristadoro, who would go on to work for Walt Disney.
One of two plaster sculptures by Charles C. Cristadoro, who would go on to work for Walt Disney.
Looking out toward some seats from the theatre's stage.
Looking out toward some seats from the theatre’s stage.
A distinctive Spreckels Theatre design at the end of every seat row.
The distinctive Spreckels Theatre design at the end of every seat row.
A quick peek into a modest suite to the side of the stage. A mirror, sink and restroom are reserved for the biggest stars.
A quick peek into a modest suite to the side of the stage. A mirror, sink and restroom are reserved for the biggest stars.
Our group learns some of the fascinating history of one of San Diego's most treasured places.
Our tour group learns some of the fascinating history of one of San Diego’s most treasured places.

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

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!

Museum exhibit shows evolution of fashion.

Fashion changes from decade to decade. This is often due to economic factors, social movements, the popular culture and the evolution of materials and commerce.
Fashion evolves from decade to decade. This is often due to economic factors, social movements, the popular culture and changes in materials, manufacturing and commerce.

A new exhibition at the San Diego History Center in Balboa Park concerns the fascinating evolution of fashion over the past nine decades. Titled Fashion Redux: 90 Year of Fashion, this exhibition includes a “timeline of garments” from the museum’s collection, plus a number of pieces that were created by fashion students who are studying at Mesa College. The dresses these talented students created are a unique fusion of the past and present.

I confess that I have no fashion sense. I’m content to wear blue jeans every day of the year. When they become a bit too scruffy, I buy a cheap new pair. I really have no right to proclaim anything about fashion.

But I’ve always been deeply fascinated by human creativity. And the origin, formulation and application of an aesthetic sense. And the twists and turns of history, of course.

Anyone who is curious about fashion and its evolution should head over to The San Diego History Center. The museum will be having a Grand Reveal Fashion Show on April 26, where you can meet some of the Mesa College fashion students and instructors. They’re also having a series of different demonstrations. You can find out more here.

Fashion during the past 90 years is presented in a special exhibit at the San Diego History Center. Included is the work of students from Mesa College, who created new designs based on old trends.
Fashion during the past 90 years is presented in a special exhibit at the San Diego History Center. Included is the work of students from Mesa College, who created new designs based on old trends.
Photographs on the wall are from the collection of the San Diego History Center. They were taken by Charles Schneider, who during his long career contracted with UPI photographing film stars and entertainers.
Photographs on the wall are from the collection of the San Diego History Center. They were taken by Charles Schneider, who during his long career contracted with United Press International, photographing film stars and entertainers.
This 1940's style dress was created by student designer Anna Acosta. In that decade garments were often designed to soften a woman's shape, create a sense of elegance.
This 1940’s style dress was created by student designer Anna Acosta. In that decade garments were often designed to soften a woman’s shape, and achieve a sense of elegance.
An activity center at the exhibition encourages kids to try their own hand and eye at fashion design. A nearby nook is the setting for fashion demonstrations by students and instructors from the San Diego Mesa College Fashion Program.
An activity station at the exhibition encourages kids to try their own hand and eye at fashion design. A nearby nook is the setting for fashion demonstrations by students and instructors from the San Diego Mesa College Fashion Program.
This garment reflects the mid-2000's, when the boho style reached its pinnacle. This dress was designed by student Zari Wabab.
This garment reflects the mid-2000’s, when the boho style reached its pinnacle. This dress was designed by student Zari Wabab.
The San Diego History Center should be the destination of anyone interested in the past, including fashion trends.
The San Diego History Center should be the destination of anyone interested in the past, including fashion trends.
This draped nylon and taffeta gown reflects the Golden Age of Hollywood during the 1930's and the Great Depression. Like an uplifting dream in those difficult times. Created by student designer Stephanie Castro.
This draped nylon and taffeta gown reflects the Golden Age of Hollywood during the 1930’s and the Great Depression. It seemed like a dream in that difficult era. Created by student designer Stephanie Castro.
This garment in the museum's collection represents the 1990's, a time when fashion evolved as the internet gained traction, and working from home and globalism began their rise.
This garment in the museum’s collection represents the 1990’s, a time when fashion evolved as the internet gained traction, and working from home and globalism began their rise.
Dresses from the past nine decades are like a timeline representing evolving culture and various impacts of technology.
Dresses from the past nine decades are arranged as a timeline, each representing the evolving culture and various impacts of technology.

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

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!

Vikings actors greet crowd! A longship burns!

Viking warriors gather on Embarcadero Marina Park South during 2017 Comic-Con to reenact the funeral ceremony of a fallen hero.
Viking warriors gather at Embarcadero Marina Park South during 2017 Comic-Con to reenact the funeral ceremony of a fallen hero.

A special event during 2017 Comic-Con was held Friday evening at Embarcadero Marina Park South. Vikings, a popular show on History, staged a ceremonial Viking funeral that climaxed with the burning of a longship on San Diego Bay!

A large crowd gathered in the park and watched as a fallen hero was carried off by other warriors with great solemnity. Then they cheered when the principal actors made a sudden appearance.

The staged burning of the Viking longship was exactly the sort of spectacle one expects at Comic-Con!

Fans at San Diego Comic-Con await a special event that promotes the History Channel's hit show Vikings.
Fans at San Diego Comic-Con await a special event that promotes History’s hit show Vikings.
A 45 foot Viking longship floats on San Diego Bay. Its burning will be a central attraction of the event.
A 45 foot Viking longship floats on San Diego Bay. Its burning will be a central attraction of the event.
Here come actors portraying a clan of Vikings. We're almost ready to begin.
Here come actors portraying a clan of Vikings. We’re almost ready to begin.
A fallen warrior is ready to be carried from a small fortress-like Viking building.
A fallen warrior is ready to be carried from a small fortress-like Viking building.
The body is transported out in a solemn ceremony.
The body is transported out in a solemn ceremony.
I knew the Vikings were great explorers, but I didn't realize they sailed all the way to San Diego Bay!
I knew the Vikings were great explorers, but I didn’t realize they sailed all the way to San Diego Bay!
Act One is complete.
Act One is complete.
After a long wait, the stars of the show arrive to much cheering. Here comes Katheryn Winnick, who portrays Lagertha.
After a long wait, the stars of the show arrive to much cheering. Here comes Katheryn Winnick, who portrays Lagertha.
And here is Travis Fimmel, who for many years played the lead character Ragnar Lothbrok.
And here is Alexander Ludwig, who plays Bjorn Ironside.
Travis Fimmel greets his fans in San Diego during 2017 Comic-Con.
Alexander Ludwig greets his fans in San Diego during 2017 Comic-Con.
The crowd favorite arrives. It's Alexander Ludwig, who plays Bjorn Lothbrok.
A crowd favorite arrives. It’s Alex Hogh Andersen, who plays Ivar the Boneless.
Alexander Ludwig heads into the fortress, from which the actors address the crowd.
Alex Hogh Andersen heads into the fortress, from which the actors address the crowd.
Everyone listens to the actors, watches a trailer and answers show trivia for prizes while we wait for twilight.
Everyone listens to the actors, watches a trailer and answers show trivia for prizes while we wait for twilight.
People grow restless after waiting quite a long while.
People grow restless after waiting quite a long while.
The Viking longship is overtaken by shadow as the sun sets, then finally the nearby boats move safely away.
The Viking longship is overtaken by shadow as the sun sets, then finally the nearby boats move safely away.
A Viking funeral. The longship burns on San Diego Bay.
A Viking funeral. The longship burns on San Diego Bay.

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

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of fun photos for you to share and enjoy!

More craziness and cosplay at 2017 Comic-Con!

A dinosaur has been spotted roaming among the huge crowds at 2017 Comic-Con!
A dinosaur has been spotted roaming among the huge crowds at 2017 Comic-Con!

The absolute zaniness of Comic-Con is something you have to experience for yourself. It seems that this year, no matter where I walk, downtown San Diego is crazier than ever!

There’s no escape from the all-out Hollywood marketing mayhem; super creative cosplay is everywhere; and everywhere you turn there is something new, absurd and undeniably magical!

Adam Warlock has the Infinity Gauntlet. Thanos doesn't have a chance.
Adam Warlock has the Infinity Gauntlet. Thanos doesn’t have a chance.
Cosplay of Sheriff Deputy Rick Grimes from The Walking Dead, Season One.
Cosplay of Sheriff Deputy Rick Grimes from The Walking Dead, Season One.
Cosplay of Mercy and Reaper of Overwatch!
Cosplay of Mercy and Reaper of Overwatch!
Kids ride a Star Wars speeder through the Gaslamp!
Kids ride a Star Wars speeder through the Gaslamp!
Klingon cosplay during San Diego Comic-Con!
Klingon cosplay during San Diego Comic-Con!
Actual weddings will take place at Syfy's Geek Love Chapel!
Actual weddings will take place at Syfy’s Geek Love Chapel during 2017 Comic-Con!
A peek into the romantic Geek Love Chapel!
A peek into the romantic Geek Love Chapel!
Cosplay Aquaman and--I believe--Mera.
Cosplay of Aquaman and–I believe–Mera.
Another very cool Loki cosplay!
Another very cool Loki cosplay!
Cosplays of Hermione, Daredevil, and American Maid from The Tick.
Cosplays of Hermione, Daredevil, and American Maid from The Tick.
Just a whole lot of crazy fun at 2017 San Diego Comic-Con!
Just a whole lot of crazy fun at 2017 San Diego Comic-Con!
Adult Swim was offering free rides around the city to Comic-Con fans.
Adult Swim was offering free rides around the city for Comic-Con fans.
I was told this cosplay is from PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds.
I was told this cosplay is from PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds.
A bunch of Vikings have assembled in the Gaslamp to promote the History Channel's popular program.
A bunch of Vikings have assembled in the Gaslamp to promote History’s popular show.
The dead body of a heroic Viking warrior is carried down Fifth Avenue for Comic-Con.
The dead body of a heroic Viking warrior is carried down Fifth Avenue for Comic-Con.
Horn blows during the Viking funeral procession.
Horn blows during the Viking funeral procession.
I see a cosplay Hawkman and Hawkgirl.
I see a cosplay Hawkman and Hawkgirl.
A fan poses with another cosplay Aquaman.
A fan poses with another cosplay Aquaman.
Cosplay of Robin. He must think I'm a crafty supervillain.
Cosplay of a feisty Robin. He must think I’m a crafty supervillain.
Here comes Pepsiman! He must be searching for his adversary Cokeman.
Here comes Pepsiman! He must be searching for his adversary Cokeman.
It's Gulliver of the San Diego Gulls hockey team at Comic-Con!
It’s Gulliver of the San Diego Gulls hockey team at Comic-Con!
Max offered me a ride on his cool Star Trek pedicab!
Max offered me a ride on his cool Star Trek Discovery pedicab!
Here we go, down the crazy streets of San Diego!
Here we go, down the streets of downtown San Diego!
Wonder Woman was waving her God Killer sword about, so we kept a safe distance.
Wonder Woman was waving her God Killer sword about, so we kept a safe distance.
Even the Super Dentists are at Comic-Con!
Even the Super Dentists are at Comic-Con!
Orange Golf Vader and other assorted weird, unknown villains lie in wait on the sidewalk.
Orange Golf Vader and other assorted weird, unknown villains lie in wait on the sidewalk.
Cosplay of Dark Angel Olivia from Rage of Bahamut. Super cool!
Cosplay of Dark Angel Olivia from Rage of Bahamut. Super cool!
Uh, oh! Harley's got her big hammer poised and ready!
Uh, oh! Harley’s got her big hammer poised and ready!

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

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of fun photos for you to share and enjoy!

Celebrities! Cool cosplay! A rare Alien Queen!

FOX San Diego Morning News reporters dressed as Princess Leia and Darth Vader interview Sam J. Jones, lead actor in the 1980 film Flash Gordon.
FOX San Diego Morning News reporters dressed as Princess Leia and Darth Vader interview Sam J. Jones, lead actor in the 1980 film Flash Gordon.

Here are some photos from my walk outside 2017 Comic-Con this morning. I spotted some celebrities, more very cool cosplay, and a rare Alien Queen!

Check it out!

A great Tweedledum and Tweedledee cosplay at 2017 San Diego Comic-Con!
A great Tweedledum and Tweedledee cosplay at 2017 San Diego Comic-Con!
Warlock cosplay from video game Destiny.
Warlock cosplay from the video game Destiny.
Greg Cipes who voices Beast Boy in the Teen Titans animated series and Michelangelo in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is interviewed during Comic-Con.
Greg Cipes who voices Beast Boy in the Teen Titans animated series and Michelangelo in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is interviewed during Comic-Con.
Celebrity sightings are possible throughout San Diego Comic-Con!
Celebrity sightings are possible throughout San Diego Comic-Con! “Flash Gordon” embraces two popular characters he helped to inspire.
These cool cosplay enthusiasts were part of the FOX television Comic-Con broadcast. Star Wars and steampunk!
These cool cosplay enthusiasts were part of the FOX television Comic-Con broadcast. Star Wars side-by-side with steampunk!
A group shot with cosplayers and celebrities.
A group shot with cosplayers and celebrities.
Cosplay of Jay Garrick, the old school Flash.
Cosplay of Jay Garrick, the old school Flash.
Two super popular characters together--Spidey and Harley!
Two super popular characters together: it’s Spidey and Harley!
An old school Wonder Woman is getting ready to defeat a WW1 German general. He might be Erich Ludendorff, a character in the recent hit movie.
An old school Wonder Woman with aviator goggles is getting ready to defeat a WWI German general! He might be Erich Ludendorff, a villain in the recent hit movie.
A super awesome one quarter scale model of the Queen Alien was being shown by Matrix Studio.
A super awesome one quarter scale model of the Alien Queen was being shown by Matrix Studio along MLK Promenade.
A very detailed Alien egg and limbs.
A very detailed Alien egg and limbs.
Another look at the limited collector piece Alien Queen, one of 300 produced by Matrix Studio.
Another look at the limited collector piece Alien Queen, one of only 300 produced by Matrix Studio.

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

Son of Zorn and The Exorcist on a Comic-Con trolley!

A new FOX television show, Son of Zorn, advertised on a San Diego trolley. Comic-Con graphics are slowly beginning to appear in San Diego.
A new FOX television show, Son of Zorn, advertised on a San Diego trolley. Comic-Con graphics are slowly beginning to appear in San Diego.

Today I spotted the first cool trolley wrap for the fast-approaching 2016 San Diego Comic-Con!

Check out these photos. I had to time my shots strategically, because the trolleys don’t wait at a station for very long!

Each side of this San Diego trolley car advertises a separate television show; both will debut this coming Fall season on FOX. First up you see graphics for Son of Zorn, which involves an animated warrior character among live-action family members. It’s a unique comedy idea that sounds weird but fun! The second side of the trolley wrap advertises The Exorcist, which is already a cultural phenomenon.

I’m positive more 2016 San Diego Comic-Con trolley wraps are on the way, so stay tuned!

Animated warrior Zorn will be coping with live-action family members (including his son) in an unusual hybrid television comedy on FOX this Fall. Taking a stab at the real world.
Animated warrior Zorn will be coping with live-action family members (including his son) in an unusual hybrid television comedy on FOX this Fall. Taking a stab at the real world.
The first 2016 San Diego Comic-Con trolley wrap has debuted in June! Both sides of this trolley advertise upcoming television shows on FOX.
The first 2016 San Diego Comic-Con trolley wrap has debuted in June! Both sides of this trolley advertise upcoming television shows on FOX.
And here's the other side of the exact same trolley car. Another brand new FOX television offering, The Exorcist, is being promoted with eerie blood red graphics.
And here comes the other side of the exact same trolley car. Another brand new FOX television offering, The Exorcist, is being promoted with eerie blood red graphics.
The Exorcist appears on one side of a San Diego trolley. This enormous moving ad for the new FOX show will be seen by thousands of pop culture fans attending Comic-Con next month. Today it's operating on the Green Line, which goes right past the convention center!
The Exorcist appears on one side of a San Diego trolley. This enormous moving ad for the new FOX show will be seen by thousands of pop culture fans attending Comic-Con next month. Today it’s operating on the Green Line, which goes right past the convention center!
Starting July 20, San Diego Comic-Con will become the international center of entertainment and popular culture. I expect to see more trolley wraps in the weeks ahead!
Starting July 20, which is Preview Night, San Diego Comic-Con will become the international center of entertainment and popular culture. I expect to see more trolley wraps in the weeks ahead!

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! In addition to other San Diego places and events (like the MLB All-Star Game–also in July), I’ll be checking out Comic-Con and taking tons of photos this year!

You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

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.

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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Big movie stars seen at Hotel Del Coronado!

photo of clark gable at hotel del coronado

Over the decades, many of Hollywood’s biggest movie stars have stayed at the world famous Hotel Del Coronado. Most checked in for personal pleasure; others were working. The Hotel Del Coronado has been used in the filming of over a dozen movies.

Outside the hotel, a few steps from the sidewalk, you’ll find a glass display containing photos of movie superstar guests. I tried to take a bunch of photos, but most didn’t come out so great.

In my first decent pic, you see a photo with the caption: Screen legend Clark Gable stayed at the Del during the filming of Hell Divers, shot in 1931.

tony curtis, jack lemmon and marilyn monroe at hotel del coronado

I also recorded a photograph from 1958 of the acting trio starring in Some Like It Hot. The caption reads: Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon and Marilyn Monroe proved to be a winning combination for Billy Wilder’s romantic comedy.

And here’s a third photo (which I took on a later date) with the caption: Tony Curtis and Marilyn Monroe’s steamy love scenes still heat up the screen more than fifty years after the 1959 film was released.

Photo of Tony Curtis and Marilyn Monroe movie love scene.
Photo of Tony Curtis and Marilyn Monroe movie love scene.

Here come even more pics!

Esther Williams and sons on the beach.
Esther Williams and sons on the beach.
Rosalind Russell out in the water.
Rosalind Russell out in the water.
Kirk Douglas seems to have quite an appetite!
Kirk Douglas seems to have quite an appetite!