This morning I published another short story. This one is titled The Station Sparrow.
The humorous little tale was inspired by my own life experience.
I often see birds inside the enormous passenger waiting room of Santa Fe Depot, the train station in downtown San Diego. Feathered infiltrators come through the wide open doors and walk about the floor pecking at crumbs.
That got me to thinking. And imagining. And laughing.
The Station Sparrow is mostly about life, and humor’s saving grace. Click the link to read it.
A crime scene at Solve Who titled Murder at PROstate Farm. A team of detectives gathers clues, watches video interrogations of three suspects, then attempts to determine who the murderer is.
A unique and very cool attraction recently opened in downtown San Diego. It’s called Solve Who!
Neither an escape room, nor murder mystery dinner theatre, Solve Who offers would-be detectives something far more immersive and realistic. Solve Who is the world’s first interactive crime scene simulator!
Enter the front door of Solve Who and you suddenly become a detective investigating a detailed crime scene using your wits, a notepad and pen, and a variety of forensic tools. Groups of up to ten people operate as a team, collecting clues, watching short video interrogations of three suspects, then deliberating to determine the identity of the murderer.
Questions one might ask during the investigation include: Was the crime premeditated? Who had the motive to commit murder? Was there a break-in? Was there a struggle? What was the murder weapon? Are any fingerprints that you find with an ultraviolet light relevant? What is the meaning of a series of emails that periodically appear on one computer? Is any object at the crime scene out of place?
I was given a little bit of a preview this evening and I must say this entertainment concept is absolutely unique and brilliant! The super friendly guys behind Solve Who have worked hard to make the experience very realistic–they have even worked with law enforcement experts to ensure this fully interactive crime scene simulator is very close to authentic. With some crazy humor injected for fun!
It seems to me that Solve Who would be an ideal place for corporate team building, having a night out with friends, or for simply meeting new people. Right now they offer one scenario titled Murder at PROstate Farm, with three new, completely unique crime scenes to appear in the future. Solve Who will also offer beer and wine to participants in the near future.
Check out the Solve Who website here and perhaps make a reservation. You’ll be one of very few people in the entire world to have experienced a realistic interactive crime scene simulator!
A brief video introduction explains how each team of detectives can work together to logically deduce which suspect is guilty of murder.The funny, satirical brochure of PROstate Farm. The insurance agent was murdered, and his three employees are suspects.Inside the mock insurance office. PROstate Farm has policies to protect the insured against icebergs, apocalypse, zombies, talking apes and much more.Tools used by participants at Solve Who include forensic lights, magnifying lenses, string for trajectory pinpointing, evidence markers, and more.The crime scene includes many clues–a few are critically important. Deductive reasoning and acute observation are required to identify the murderer.An overturned chair and a big blood stain on the carpet.Blood splattered on the wall!Detectives at Solve Who will watch as three suspects are interrogated. It is important to listen to words and watch body language.Solve Who is a very cool new attraction in San Diego, located downtown at 1570 Fifth Avenue. It is the world’s first interactive crime scene simulator!
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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!
Sycamore leaves are beginning to turn along the San Diego River as autumn begins.
It’s much cooler in San Diego now that summer has ended. Today the sky remained overcast. The temperature was perfect for an exhilarating walk after work.
During the past few days I’ve noticed signs of autumn have appeared around San Diego. No, the palm trees haven’t turned yet.
Enjoy a few photographs. And maybe a laugh!
While walking downtown I noticed Pumpkin Spice is back at Starbucks.Haunted Tales is returning to the tall ship Star of India just before Halloween.Pumpkins are beginning to arrive at grocery stores. This outdoor bin was still empty a couple days ago, but ready.Dia de Los Muertos is coming again to Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. It’s one of my favorite events.A nice harvest of squash can be found along India Street in Little Italy.These leaves are turning at the Little Italy trolley station. Wait a minute. Those are leaves, right?Colorful autumn leaves fill tiny trees at the Old Town Model Railroad Depot!
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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!
Sign in a window of The Bell Marker on Broadway. 24 Hours In a Day. 24 Beers In a Case. Coincidence?
Walk randomly about San Diego and you’ll inevitably stumble upon a few odd, humorous sights…
If you’re driving an inverted car past Jack in the Box near Hazard Center, this stop sign might make sense.An unexpected Kiwi Crossing street sign in Little Italy.This might be the most dirty, decrepit, ramshackle house in downtown San Diego. One day it’ll likely vanish in a cloud of dust.A miniature garden in Tuna Harbor. One potted plant.A funny sight hanging out in Little Italy. Jay Leno!A very peculiar figure creeps along a downtown sidewalk.Another odd figure on the back of a vehicle.An East Village shop uses The Force to compel would-be shoppers.It’s over three months until Christmas, and I already see a candy cane in one window!
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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!
A humorous sign on the sidewalk. Head into this barber shop and come out a completely different person!
This morning I was riding the trolley to work when I had a silly idea.
To celebrate five years of Cool San Diego Sights, why not post some funny photos from a variety of old blog posts? Because I’m lazy, or perhaps because it adds to the element of random craziness, I haven’t changed the original captions.
Enjoy a bit of humor on a Monday!
A deer dressed in a polo shirt. Humorous street art in Golden Hill.This side of the fun Bart Club utility box has the funny cartoon character’s face in need of a shave!Funny Star Wars street art in San Diego. Jar Jar Binks says Meesa Lova Comic Con.Smile! It’s Friday!Like the mythical Atlas holding up the Earth, an incredibly strong person single-handedly shoulders the moon.Just a funny sign on the grass I thought I’d share.Is that a digital Sheldon Cooper on the screen? No! It’s a funny remote-control parade “float” created by the Balboa Park Online Collaborative.A well-dressed gorilla on a plate in a funny San Diego shop window. I also see some wind-up chattering teeth.Jack in the Box’s Crave Van smashed through a wall of comic books in the Interactive Zone! Too much fun!This funny fellow was carrying the Morning Paper down Sixth Avenue.Why is this silly guy acting like a jellyfish.A bench shaped like a mustache. A fun sight in front of a barber shop.And here’s something scary! It’s probably an old disgruntled lighthouse keeper in a yellow slicker cleverly disguised as a monster. Just my wild guess.Before the official start of the 2016 MLB All-Star Game Red Carpet Parade, team mascots begin down the route through downtown San Diego.A wonderfully bizarre downtown San Diego poster. Fear the power of Sushi Burrito. Finish off your evil hunger!Perhaps this chili was the winner. Looks tasty, if you don’t mind that it’s served from a toilet!A guy in a crazy cow costume gets a photograph of the cattle drive.Crazy people wearing shark heads were promoting Sharknado 2.A very funny utility box. This side shows a woman at the beach covering the eyes of a small boy.A funny sign on the sidewalk near Cooper’s Market and Cafe. Look Morty, they have carbs and caffeine!A funny inflatable in a shop window. The holidays are over! Time for The Scream!
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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!
Fun palm frond art. I recognize Ronald McDonald and Batman.
Here’s one last batch of fun and funny photos from 2018 San Diego Comic-Con, including more great examples of cosplay.
I confess I didn’t stand in long lines for some of the more popular offsite attractions–I mainly just walked around. Watching people. Taking it all in. That’s what I love to do.
I hope you had as much fun as I did!
Now I’ll probably take a rest from blogging until next weekend. On Saturday, I’m going on a special tour at the San Diego Museum of Art.
Have a great week!
They never showed it in the Star Wars movies, but Darth Vader likes to wear sunglasses.Why would an astronaut in an airless environment need camouflage?I’m Single. Free Drinks If You Find Me.Stay Puft has a Mini-Marshmallow-Me!Shouldn’t that guy be in his containment bubble?It’s a Harley-cycle and a Bat-cycle!I know San Diego gets a lot of tourists, but Spiderman?The gentleman on the right goes by the name Colorful Guy.Cosplay of Jinx from Teen Titans. Now that’s some big hair.I believe I recognize Aladdin and Tinker Bell.I was interested to learn that the rather unusual character on the right is named Bananapool.A zombie’s about to have lunch at Dead Quarters.Thank goodness for that fence!This is what Comic-Con is really all about. This is how it started.Frozone strikes his action pose.At San Diego Comic-Con, you’re never quite sure what you will see next.Azog and Nazgul cosplay.A sidewalk artist creating a fun cartoon.A very cool LEGO Cyborg cosplay made out of cardboard.A small version of the Guardians of the Galaxy!This guy said his unique cosplay is a combination of the Old West and Mad Max.Spock enters a scene featuring Boba Fett. I’m detecting a bit of franchise confusion.A dog in a tiny police car meets a real officer of the SDPD. Thanks to police heroes everyone was safe during Comic-Con.Three peculiar versions of Deadpool. Take your pick.Spock is now back where he belongs.This guy is called One Punch Man. One is all it takes!I see some Speed Racer characters!Cosplay of Rocksteady and Bebop from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!
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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!
Sharkzilla has taken another bite of a surfboard at The Experience during 2018 San Diego Comic-Con!
As you will see, I had quite an experience at The Experience late this morning. This free public attraction is one of many offsites found around downtown during 2018 San Diego Comic-Con.
The very moment you enter, prepare to be mesmerized…
Looking down at The Experience in Petco Park’s Lexus Premier Lot from the Harbor Drive pedestrian bridge.People stream into the fun, free to the public Comic-Con offsite.Near the entrance, buses from hotels around the city drop off a motley group of Comic-Con attendees.Shark fins bob past the big stage at The Experience.People relax and watch a demo video game up on a big screen.Shortly after I arrive, three lovely, sweet, irresistible ladies with Sacred Lies prepare to encircle me with their scarfs.I’m encircled! Hello! Sign me up for your cult, or whatever it is!I spotted Pac-Gentleman again, near Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. That seems a lot of marshmallow for a gentleman to waka-waka-waka gobble all at once.But I could probably digest a few free scoops of DC Super Hero Ice Cream!At the Cloak and Dagger activation, this nice lady seemed about ready to dazzle me with a sermon.People who line up at Ghostbusters World can have their photo taken next to the original ECTO-1 from the movies.Hopefully Hulk doesn’t become too angry when you get your group hug at the Marvel Avengers activation.The Impractical Jokers had a food truck serving Scoopski Potatoes.I believe people could get free samples of Shin Black Noodle Soup, but I didn’t check it out.Project Blue Book had a Top Secret tent. With my sketchy background, I don’t have clearance, so I averted my eyes.A huge cool sculpture at the Guild Wars 2 activation.Discovery Channel celebrates Shark Week with an enormous life-size mechanical Megalodon named Sharkzilla.I arrived in time for a Sharkzilla feeding. The huge hungry shark is going to chomp on a wooden pallet!Personally, I find pallets to be unpalatable.Maybe a surfboard tastes better.I remember having something like this done when I was a kid and got my braces.Some tasty bloody zombies that will be fed to Sharkzilla later in the day.
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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!
A fan at 2018 Comic-Con receives an award from Syfy in the Gaslamp on Saturday afternoon!
Breaking News!
I was going to post photos from my late morning walk through The Experience at 2018 Comic-Con, but an unforeseen event this afternoon has disrupted my plans!
In the mid-afternoon Syfy arrived in the Gaslamp Quarter to award medals to winners of their fan art competition, and . . . you’ll have to see what happened! Read the captions!
On Saturday afternoon at 2018 Comic-Con, the craziness gets underway.Waiting for a trolley with a shark fin hat.Bumblebee had a tough time squeezing into this trolley, but made it!Pikachu was making a new friend.Someone appeared to be really hungry.What planet is this? What’s going on here?It seems to be a planet that’s packed with crazy, fun-loving Comic-Con fans!I don’t know if these guys were making a political statement, or just looking a bit silly.Speaking of silly, here’s a super fantastic Batman photo op!Where did he come from? I barely got away in time.Everyone’s a kid during Comic-Con.Everyone likes posing with superheroes.Kids liked this colorful robot.Will these guys pose for a group cosplay photo?Of course! It’s Comic-Con!This guy clearly has issues.It’s a Comic-Con exclusive life-size Star Trek Barbee, mint in box!A great Ming the Merciless cosplay!Aquaman is being pursued by a toothy sea creature.Someone went to the Gaslamp Quarter for a martini, and look what they saw.I see Other Mother in front of LAIKA LIVE San Diego!And here’s Logan in padding. Perhaps his healing factor isn’t what it used to be.Instead of breaking Batman’s back, Bane goes after the neck of an innocent bystander.Look what’s coming down Fifth Avenue! It’s the Syfy Fan Creator Award show for Comic-Con 2018!The Syfy drum line gets the crowd in an even more excited mood.Time for another selfie.A Syfy fan who made some super cool art gets a medal, then speaks a few words to the gathered crowd.Everyone’s having a great–if wacky–time.The Syfy band played the theme from Ghostbusters. A kid wearing a Ghostbusters t-shirt receives a medal and a high five!Let sheer insanity resume.Deadpool makes some gyrating moves.Apparently his dance worked. He attracted a rainbow unicorn!Members of the Justice League of America have descended into the Gaslamp Quarter. Have no fear, good citizens!Another photo that says it all.A fuzzy pic. I feel fortunate that I took if from a safe distance.Super-tall-Spock coolly analyzes the situation.While Captain Kirk is with the ladies.More fun, creative, absurd cosplay.Yes, it seems everyone is little off their rocker this afternoon.Another day at Comic-Con.Another Saturday afternoon, that is.The Guardians of the Galaxy have arrived to help guard the Gaslamp Quarter for a bit.Yes, the full tilt craziness has just begun.Here come some fast food superheroes. First up are McDonalds and Wendys.I bet you didn’t know Grimace is a big time purple superhero.Jack in the Box casts his taco spell on me, making my head spin.Panda Express and KFC complete the Legion of Indigestion.If you bite one of those apples, you’ll get worse than indigestion!Everything is returning to normal. Good old Wonder Woman and Superman are coming down Fifth Avenue.And these guys, too.She-Ra and her pal have things under control.
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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!
I can’t believe it! There’s yet another trolley wrap for 2018 San Diego Comic-Con! That makes nine designs that I’ve spotted so far, with about a month still to go! There are three wraps for Syfy (each promoting two shows), four for FOX, and now two for TBS.
This fun trolley wrap promotes Season 1 of Final Space which is now available on the TBS App.
Enjoy some photos!
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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!
Conan O’Brien flies a jet pack on a 2018 San Diego Comic-Con trolley!
I got photos of the Conan O’Brien trolley wrap that debuted yesterday in San Diego for 2018 Comic-Con. Sorry the photos are a bit bright. Our nearest star was shining very brightly this morning!
Here they are!
A trolley for 2018 San Diego Comic-Con has a wrap promoting the Conan show on TBS.Conan 2018, Live From Comic-Con. TeamCocoHouse Fourth Avenue.Conan flies toward the Spreckels space station in outer space, which is orbiting somewhere above Comic-Con!
Cool San Diego Sights! 