Tag: magicians

Conjuring magic bubbles by the ocean.

Early this morning I took a long walk along Torrey Pines State Beach.

After the fog had lifted, as I made my way back north from the sandstone cliffs, I was surprised to see colorful bubbles rising above the surf.

They appeared to be magic bubbles.

Then I saw the magician.

Watching the delicate bubbles rise, I suddenly thought of a short story that I wrote some time ago. It’s titled One Magic Bubble. It’s a bittersweet story about life. If you’d like, you can read it here.

Cool photos of San Diego’s 2019 Busker Fest!

San Diego's own world-famous Murrugun the Mystic exhales a huge fireball during Seaport Village's 2019 Busker Fest!
San Diego’s own world-famous Murrugun the Mystic exhales a huge fireball during Seaport Village’s 2019 Busker Fest!

This is my fifth year blogging about Seaport Village’s annual busker festival. It’s so much fun, I try not to miss it!

This afternoon I randomly walked about Seaport Village, checking out the acts of great street performers from all around the United States and the world. I protected my camera from the wind and showers and took a whole bunch of photographs. Unfortunately, today’s attendance seemed reduced by the weather.

Tomorrow the sun is supposed to come out. Hopefully more people will then head to Seaport Village for this free weekend event!

The highlight for me was the two-act performance of San Diego’s own world-famous danger act and carnival sideshow performer Murrugun the Mystic! As I watched, I could plainly see he was enjoying himself!

Since I last blogged about Murrugun, he has appeared on even more TV shows. He has now been featured on AMC’s Freakshow, Cougar Town, CSI: New York, The Late Late Show with James Corden, and Ripley’s Believe It or Not! He also holds multiple Guinness World Records for sword swallowing!

I spoke to him briefly after his show, and I learned he’s devising a hollow tube contraption that he will insert into his throat. From that tube he will explosively shoot flaming arrows! Wow! I can’t wait to see that!

Here come fun photos! Enjoy!

Even with the drizzly, breezy winter weather, people came out to Seaport Village on Saturday to watch some of the best street performers from around the world.
Even with the drizzly, breezy winter weather, people came out to Seaport Village on Saturday to watch some of the best street performers in the world.
Daniel Israel juggles while high atop a unicycle!
Daniel Israel juggles while high atop a unicycle!
Cate Flaherty is a professional circus acrobat. Her juggling and balancing performance was great!
Cate Flaherty is a professional circus acrobat with a big smile. Her juggling and balancing performance was great!
George Gilbert entertains people by the water. For a grand finale, he magically made a pineapple appear under his hat!
George Gilbert entertains people by the water. For a grand finale, he magically made a pineapple appear under his hat!
Nolan Webster included a lot of humor in his parlor magic show. That ball was actually attached to his nose! Cheater!
Nolan Webster included a lot of humor in his parlor magic show. That ball was actually attached to his nose! Cheater!
The audiences at the Busker Fest were all smiles.
The audiences at the Busker Fest were all smiles.
Kids seemed to have the best time while the buskers performed. Many adults were very shy.
Kids seemed to have the best time while the buskers performed. Many adults were very shy.
Murrugan the Mystic calls an audience together near Seaport Village's central fountain before beginning his amazing two part act!
Murrugun the Mystic calls an audience together near Seaport Village’s central fountain before beginning his amazing two-part act!
Murrugan's first act is a series of fantastic fire breathing and eating tricks, including shooting flames out of his mouth!
Murrugun’s first act is a series of fantastic fire breathing and eating tricks, including shooting flames out of his mouth! He performed to one side, out of the wind.
The second act was sword swallowing. Murrugan the Mystic is one of the very few true sword swallowers in the world.
The second act was sword swallowing. Murrugun the Mystic is one of very few true sword swallowers in the world.
That's a genuine, long and very sharp sword poised on Murrugun's tongue.
That’s a genuine, long and very sharp sword poised on Murrugun’s tongue.
Here we go!
Here we go!
When all the way in, the sword has penetrated between his heart and lungs and ends at the bottom of his stomach, just below the belly button!
When all the way in, the sword has penetrated between his heart and lungs and ends at the bottom of his stomach, just below the belly button!
Next comes a sword sandwich--six swords carefully aligned together. Over the decades, a scary number of performers have died doing this dangerous sword swallowing trick.
Next comes a sword sandwich–six swords carefully aligned together. Over the decades, a scary number of performers have died doing this dangerous sword swallowing trick. Murrugun himself was once seriously injured.
That's a lot of sharp steel to swallow!
That’s a lot of sharp steel to swallow!
In go six genuine swords!
In go six genuine swords!
One of the most amazing human spectacles you're likely to ever witness!
One of the most amazing human spectacles you’re likely to ever witness!
Back near the water, Jonathan Strange was doing ring linking magic with an assistant from the audience.
Back near the water, Jonathan Strange was doing some mystifying ring linking magic with an assistant chosen from the audience.
Molly Keczan includes lasso rope tricks in her fun The Farmer's Daughter Show.
Molly Keczan includes lasso rope tricks in her fun The Farmer’s Daughter Show.
The Farmer's Daughter keeps balance as she walks along the top of glass milk bottles--with one good eye! A wildly successful show, in spite of her contact lens difficulty!
The Farmer’s Daughter keeps balance as she walks along the top of glass milk bottles–with one good eye! A wildly successful show, in spite of her contact lens difficulty!
While walking around I spotted Martika Daniels setting up for her act with a big smile.
While walking around I spotted Martika Daniels setting up for her act with a big smile.
Martika's cool show included being stood upon while lying on a bed of nails!
Martika’s amazing show included being stood upon while lying on a bed of nails!
Ouch! Martika explained that stunts like this make some of life's difficulties seem small by comparison. Her show was super positive and inspirational!
Ouch! Martika explained that stunts like this make some of life’s difficulties seem small by comparison. Her show was super positive and inspirational!
Another awesome sword swallowing act!
Another awesome sword swallowing act!
Buskers and audience members all seemed to have a good time, even if the San Diego weather didn't cooperate today!
Buskers and audience members all seemed to have a great time, even if the San Diego weather didn’t cooperate today!

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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!

Cosplay and magic at 2018 Comic-Con!

Cosplay and magic fill the area behind the San Diego Convention Center during 2018 Comic-Con!
Cosplay and magic fill the area behind the San Diego Convention Center during 2018 Comic-Con!

Late this morning I enjoyed Comic-Con by walking behind the San Diego Convention Center, then through The Experience by Petco Park. This first batch of fun photos is from the area behind the convention center.

As usual, I encountered a bunch of super creative cosplay and magic at every turn!

A Star Wars stormtropper holds a humorous sign. Support the Troops.
A Star Wars stormtropper holds a humorous sign. Support the Troops.
Long morning lines wrapped this way and that, but nobody seemed to mind.
Long morning lines wrapped this way and that, but nobody seemed to mind.
Cedric Diggory cosplay. An early glimpse of magic.
Cedric Diggory cosplay. An early glimpse of magic.
Some cosplay pooches are part of the big spectacle.
Some cosplay pooches are part of the big spectacle.
These Wonder Women made cool skirts out of old Justice League swag bags!
These Wonder Women made cool superhero skirts out of old Justice League swag bags!
Good thing Nick Fury called Captain Marvel. Here she comes now to save the day!
Good thing Nick Fury called Captain Marvel. Here she comes now to save the day!
These zombies paused for a photo at the foot of the steps up to the convention center.
These zombies paused for a photo at the foot of the steps up to the convention center.
I was told this cosplay is Bird Person.
I was told this cosplay is Bird Person.
Check out this awesome cosplay! It's Fire Archangel Velajuel, a Summoners War Sky Arena Monster.
Check out this awesome cosplay! It’s Fire Archangel Velajuel, a Summoners War Sky Arena Monster.
I was told this funny cosplay is Pac-Gentleman.
I was told this funny cosplay is Pac-Gentleman.
Lots of visitors to 2018 Comic-Con were checking out the Bandai Dragon Ball activation.
Lots of visitors to 2018 Comic-Con were checking out the Bandai Dragon Ball activation.
Vegeta cosplay.
Vegeta cosplay.
Mario and Luigi prepare for battle.
Mario and Luigi prepare for battle.
I was told this cosplay is Radioactive Man.
I was told this cosplay is Radioactive Man.
That's my kind of superhero. One who brings ice cream! Who needs a utility belt?
That’s my kind of superhero. One who brings ice cream! Who needs a utility belt?
Cyclops was good enough not to remove his visor.
Cyclops was good enough not to remove his visor. The ice cream might melt.
Cosplay of some Mad Max post-apocalyptic characters.
Amazing cosplay of some Mad Max post-apocalyptic characters.
Hopefully Kylo Ren does me in before I have to witness one of his temper tantrums.
Hopefully Kylo Ren does me in before I have to witness another one of his ridiculous temper tantrums.
At the FOX activation for The Passage, a scientist in a white lab jacket shows the first human to be resistant to all known diseases. Unfortunately he has to drink blood.
At the FOX activation for The Passage, a scientist in a white lab jacket shows me the first human to be resistant to all known diseases. Unfortunately he has to drink human blood.
Rorschach cosplay. Somehow he could make the inkblot on his mask change appearance.
Rorschach cosplay. Somehow using his lips he could make the inkblot on his mask change appearance.
Some poor guy is caught between a fight between Peter Griffin and Ernie the Giant Chicken.
Some poor guy is caught between a fight between Peter Griffin and Ernie the Giant Chicken.
A look at the FXhibition area near the Hilton Bayfront, behind the San Diego Convention Center.
A look at the FXhibition area near the Hilton Bayfront, behind the San Diego Convention Center.
Another look. It's late Saturday morning at 2018 Comic-Con.
Another look. It’s late Saturday morning at 2018 Comic-Con.
People place their heads in Archer character cubes for an unusual photo opportunity.
People place their heads in Archer character cubes for an unusual photo opportunity.
Here's Camp Paddy's outhouse.
Here’s Camp Paddy’s outhouse.
Now that's one very bizarre photograph being taken.
Now that’s one very bizarre photograph being taken.
Zatanna cosplay. Magic is her specialty.
Zatanna cosplay. Magic is her specialty.
She must have waved her magic wand, because there's wonderful cosplay all over the place!
She must have waved her magic wand, because there’s wonderful cosplay all over the place!
A cool FX guy poses beside a Mayans MC motorcycle for my camera.
A cool FX guy poses beside a Mayans MC motorcycle for my camera.
Mera blinked. Must be all that dry air outside of the water.
Mera blinked. Must be all that dry air above the water.
Chillin' at the FXhibition.
Chillin’ at the FXhibition.
Magicians perform, delighting young and old alike. There's endless magic at Comic-Con!
Magicians perform, delighting young and old alike. There’s endless magic at Comic-Con!

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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, laughs and thrills at Busker Festival!

Sam Malcolm, a juggling comedian from Denver, Colorado, performs high atop a ladder during the Seaport Village Spring Busker Festival!
Sam Malcolm, a juggling comedian from Denver, Colorado, performs high atop a ladder during the Seaport Village Spring Busker Festival!

Today I enjoyed an hour or so at the 2018 Seaport Village Spring Busker Festival. It’s hard to believe, but this is the fourth time I’ve blogged the annual event. Considering how quickly the years have flown by, I must be having fun!

This year’s busker festival is just as colorful and entertaining as ever. It continues tomorrow, so make sure you head down to Seaport Village for lots of fun, laughs and thrills!

Here are photos from a few of today’s performances…

The 2018 Seaport Village Spring Busker Festival is taking place this weekend!
The 2018 Seaport Village Spring Busker Festival is taking place this weekend!
Dango (Derrick Gilday of San Diego) climbs a stack of chairs near Seaport Village.
Dango (Derrick Gilday of San Diego) climbs a stack of chairs in Embarcadero Marina Park North, right next to Seaport Village.
Dango juggles flaming torches to the delight of the gathered crowd!
Dango juggles flaming torches to the delight of the gathered crowd!
I was laughing out loud at the screwball antics of Wacky Chad.
I was laughing out loud at the screwball antics and absurd comedy of Wacky Chad.
Wacky Chad jumps rope every which way. An exhibition of amazing physical dexterity.
Wacky Chad jumps rope every which way. An exhibition of amazing physical dexterity.
More juggling. This time atop a super tall unicycle.
More juggling. This time atop a super tall unicycle.
Some crazy, super high pogo sticking was the highlight of Wacky Chad's routine.
Some crazy, super high pogo sticking was the highlight of Wacky Chad’s routine. He has appeared on America’s Got Talent twice!
The Lynx Variety Show, coming from San Francisco, included a feat of amazing sword swallowing.
The Lynx Variety Show, coming from San Francisco, included a feat of amazing sword swallowing.
Mitchell Walker is a regular at Seaport Village, and so is his cool didgeridoo!
Mitchell Walker is a regular at Seaport Village, and so is his cool didgeridoo!
Greg Frisbee prepares to begin his funny Rubber Chicken Show.
Greg Frisbee prepares to begin his funny Rubber Chicken Show.
Extreme Rahim prepares to wow his audience with magic and positive clean humor. I often see him performing at Seaport Village.
Extreme Rahim prepares to wow his audience with magic and positive clean humor. I often see him performing at Seaport Village.
Extreme Rahim provides a smile and many good memories in San Diego!
Extreme Rahim provides a smile and many good memories in San Diego!

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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!

Doctor Strange appears! San Diego Comic-Con is near!

Doctor Strange street lamp banners have appeared along the Embarcadero more than a month before the start of 2016 San Diego Comic-Con.
Doctor Strange street lamp banners have appeared along the Embarcadero more than a month before the start of 2016 San Diego Comic-Con.

A sign that 2016 San Diego Comic-Con is near has appeared along the Embarcadero. Many street lamps are hung with cool Doctor Strange banners! Marvel’s Sorcerer Supreme and his upcoming movie will definitely be a big source of excitement at this year’s Comic-Con. A little more than a month to go!

Want to see lots more Comic-Con stuff? Then stay tuned to this blog, Cool San Diego Sights! As some of you may know, I live in downtown San Diego and have compiled quite a few Comic-Con photos over the past couple years. This year I should be able to take a ton more! Every single day during the incredible event, I’m going to walk everywhere (and I mean everywhere) outside the San Diego Convention Center and all around the Gaslamp and downtown San Diego to see what I can see. I’m going to snap literally thousands of photos and share the best ones with you! There’s a chance I might go inside, too! I sure hope so!

Meanwhile, if you’re hungry for photos from the past couple years, check out these fun pics from old blog posts! (And if you want to share any of this stuff on social media, that’s cool with me!)

These links feature past Comic-Con photos:

Insane Comic-Con: crowds, hype, fun and firemen!

More super awesome Comic-Con cosplay photos!

Super cool awesome cosplay at San Diego Comic-Con!

Cool cosplay and fun outside San Diego Comic-Con.

More cool photos from Comic-Con Preview Night!

Some cool photos from Comic-Con Preview Night.

Photos of San Diego Comic-Con preparation: 2 days to go!

Photos of San Diego library’s Art of Comic-Con exhibit!

Comic-Con morning near the convention center.

Cosplay and Comic-Con craziness in the Gaslamp!

Pics of 2014 San Diego Comic-Con Preview Night!

And here’s one more link for all you cosplay fans!

I spotted this guy in Balboa Park earlier this year. Check out his super elaborate suit of fantasy golden armor!

Cool knight in golden armor stands guard in San Diego!

Hopefully the gray skies aren't an omen of impending mystical evil. Marvel's Sorcerer Supreme should make a big appearance at San Diego Comic-Con in July!
If the gray sky is an omen of impending mystical evil . . . fear not! Marvel’s Sorcerer Supreme will make a big appearance at San Diego Comic-Con in July!

This year’s Comic-Con will be bigger and probably crazier than ever! Follow along for all the fun!

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Even though I have many posts concerning Comic-Con, my blog concerns a whole variety of stuff about San Diego!  You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Lots of fun at Seaport Village’s Busker Festival!

Baard Kolstad drums like crazy near the Pier Cafe.
Baard Kolstad drums like crazy near the Pier Cafe.

This afternoon I checked out the Spring Busker Festival at Seaport Village. A huge crowd turned out to enjoy the sunny day and some amazing street performers! Enjoy a few cool pics!

Aerial silks dancer performs near Seaport Village carousel.
Aerial silks dancer performs near Seaport Village carousel.
Crowd gathers at West Plaza for a Busker Festival magic show.
Crowd gathers at West Plaza for a Busker Festival magic show.
Funny magician wows kids at Seaport Village.
Funny magician wows kids at Seaport Village.
Folks head toward busker stage in Embarcadero Marina Park North.
Folks head toward busker stage in Embarcadero Marina Park North.
The hilarious Skip Banks prepares to enter a huge balloon.
The crazy Skip Banks prepares to enter a huge balloon.
Skip Banks' head pops out of big balloon at Busker Festival.
Skip Banks’ head pops out of big balloon at Busker Festival.

Skip Banks was absolutely hilarious. His hyperactive routine, celebrating silly slices of our pop culture, was one of the funniest things I’ve seen in a long while! His website has some great videos.

Acrobatic juggler entertains crowd with spectator's help.
Acrobatic juggler entertains crowd with spectator’s help.
Baard Kolstad, of Norway, sets up in East Plaza at Seaport Village.
Baard Kolstad, of Norway, sets up in East Plaza at Seaport Village.

Baard Kolstad came all the way from Norway to participate in the Seaport Village Busker Festival. With his dazzling skills, he seems destined to be the next big rock drummer!

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Sleeveless magician sets up in Balboa Park.

sleeveless magician sets up in balboa park

One cool feature of Balboa Park is the profusion of street performers. I got a fast pic of this magician setting up on El Prado in front of the reflecting pool. That’s the Botanical Building in the background–one of the largest wood lath structures in the world!

While I didn’t see this sleeveless magician perform last Sunday, I did savor the music of a nearby harp player and listened to a guy playing a funky didgeridoo!

UPDATE!  Here’s a pic from a performance, taken on a later day:

Sleeveless magician performs card trick for rapt audience.
Sleeveless magician performs card trick for rapt audience.

Papa Alex, a psychic near Seaport Village.

papa alex psychic at seaport village

In Seaport Village and on the grassy fringe beside it one can find all sorts of curious, interesting and helpful folk. There are street performers of every kind. You’ll find clowns, cartoon portrait sketchers, an amazing rock balancer, guys with colorful exotic birds, face painters, henna tattoo artists, balloon twisters, poets, musicians, people in cute costumes posing with tourists, marvelous magicians, palm readers, tarot card readers and various seers with crystal balls.

Above is a pic of Papa Alex, a friendly psychic. According to his sign, he’s a specialist in love problems and finance. Seniors are entitled to a 75% discount.

And here are more pics taken on several of my walks…

This sign promotes psychic readingz and more!
This sign promotes psychic readingz and more!
HONEST READINGS sign near Seaport Village.
HONEST READINGS sign near Seaport Village.
The Angel Reader does both tarot and palm reading.
The Angel Reader does both tarot and palm reading.
Handmade sign in Embarcadero Marina Park North beside Seaport Village.
Handmade sign in Embarcadero Marina Park North beside Seaport Village.
Table next to sidewalk features tarot cards kept in place by crystal paperweights.
Table next to sidewalk features tarot cards kept in place by crystal paperweights.
This smiling psychic has a bright pink tent!
This smiling psychic has a bright pink tent!

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