Tag: toys

Fun stage dioramas at Paper Theatre Festival!

An example of a elaborate paper toy theater, a source of family entertainment in the 19th century.
An example of an elaborate paper toy theater, a source of family entertainment in the 19th century.

Today, just for fun, I headed up to the Paper Theatre Festival, which is held every year at UC San Diego.

Upon entering the Seuss Room at the Geisel Library, I couldn’t help smiling. Scattered about the room was a large collection of Victorian stage dioramas, character cut-outs, books and ephemera from the 19th century when paper toy theatre was a popular family entertainment.

All of the colorful artwork exhibited at the festival is part of an immense paper theatre collection assembled over the course of eighteen years by Scott Paulson. I listened to him talk to visitors young and old about his collection, and tried to absorb a bit of this unique art form’s history. I learned how in that bygone age, families would construct these paper theaters from kits, then act out plays with the included scripts and paper doll actors. The entertaining hobby encouraged people to learn about the operation of a real theater, including set design and stage lighting effects.

Walking about the Seuss Room, I bent over to peer into many highly ornate 3-dimensional dioramas. Slots at intervals on the stages allow different paper backdrops–scenery sheets–to be inserted, as you can see from my photos. Paper characters, which are often mounted at the ends of sticks, can be moved about on a stage as a dramatic performance demands.

The festival is geared toward kids, who are encouraged to handle these fun paper playhouses, learn about their history and create their own small dramas. The event continues Sunday and Monday. Click here to learn more!

Paper Theater - It's the smallest show on Earth! Historical amusements are on display at the Paper Theatre Festival at the UC San Diego Library.
Paper Theater – It’s the smallest show on Earth! Historical amusements are on display at the Paper Theatre Festival at the UC San Diego Library.
Objects on display include books, posters and materials to craft paper theaters.
Objects on display include books, posters and materials to create paper theaters.
A mirthful dance of magical characters!
A mirthful dance of magical characters!
A variety of paper toy theaters and related items are on display at the festival.
A variety of paper toy theaters and related items are on display at the annual festival.
A scenery sheet depicting a London street to be used in a play of Charles Dickens' Great Expectations.
A scenery sheet depicting a London street to be used in a play of Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations.
Detail from one highly ornate paper stage.
Detail from one ornate paper stage.
These cut-out paper actors include dragons, knights and other fantastic characters.
These cut-out paper actors include dragons, knights and other fantastic characters.
Mr. Jackson's Elizabethan Theatre includes the characters and text for Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Mr. Jackson’s Elizabethan Theatre includes the characters and text for Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
An example of a French paper theatre kit.
An example of a French paper theatre kit.
The exhibition includes a crazy MOV-I-GRAFF card. The outline of the face is a fine chain. The face's shape can be altered with a jiggle.
The exhibition includes a crazy MOV-I-GRAFF card. The outline of the face is a fine chain. The face’s shape can be altered with a jiggle.
This stage features a troupe of ballet dancers!
This stage features a troupe of dancers!
Edward Gorey's Dracula, a toy theatre!
Edward Gorey’s Dracula. Classic horror and toy theatre!
Teatro de Mexico. A folk art toy theater.
Teatro de Mexico. A folk art toy theater.
Benjamin Pollock's Toyshop. Hansel and Gretel. A model to cut out and make.
Benjamin Pollock’s Toyshop. Hansel and Gretel. A model to cut out and make.
A fun Hansel and Gretel scene made of paper!
A fun, very colorful Hansel and Gretel scene made of paper!

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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 new Conan O’Brien trolley wrap for 2017 SDCC!

Conan O'Brien is returning to San Diego Comic-Con in 2017. Trolleys are wrapped with images of Conan as four different Funko Pop! toys.
Conan O’Brien is returning to San Diego Comic-Con in 2017. Some trolleys are wrapped with images of Conan as four different Funko Pop! toys.

Here are some photos of the new Conan O’Brien trolley wrap for 2017 San Diego Comic-Con! I spied two trolley cars with this wrap on my way home from work aboard the Green Line.

This is the third year in a row Conan will be hosting his funny TBS talk show at the Spreckels Theatre during Comic-Con. And, as before, the trolley wraps feature him transformed into four different Funko Pop! characters.

This year Conan appears as Justice League member the Flash, as a Game of Thrones White Walker, as Marvel’s ever-popular superhero Spiderman, and finally as a Star Wars Jedi holding a lightsaber.

Enjoy these photos! I’ll keep watching for new SDCC trolley wraps in the days ahead!

For the third year in a row, TBS television talk show host Conan O'Brien is transformed by Funko into famous pop culture characters.
For the third year in a row, TBS television talk show host Conan O’Brien has been transformed by Funko into four famous pop culture characters.
Conan O'Brien has become the fastest man alive--The Flash!
Conan O’Brien has become the fastest man alive–The Flash!
This trolley wrap image has Conan turned into a White Walker from Game of Thrones.
This trolley wrap image has Conan turned into a White Walker from Game of Thrones.
Conan is hanging upside down from the roof of the trolley. He is your friendly neighborhood Spiderman!
Conan is hanging upside down from the roof of the trolley. He is your friendly neighborhood Spiderman!
Or perhaps Conan is actually a Star Wars Jedi!
Or perhaps Conan is actually a Star Wars Jedi. Is he a Gray Jedi?
San Diego Comic-Con is on the way, and lots of trolleys are appearing with a variety of cool wraps!
San Diego Comic-Con is on the way, and lots of trolleys are appearing with a variety of cool wraps!

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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 of photos (including a bunch from past Comic-Cons) for you to share and enjoy!

Cool LEGO creations displayed in Balboa Park!

Fun LEGO creations on display during the House of Denmark lawn program in Balboa Park.
Fun LEGO creations on display during the House of Denmark lawn program in Balboa Park.

Wow! Check these out! Here are some super cool LEGO creations that I saw today in Balboa Park!

I was walking among the International Cottages when I spied tables with all sorts of fun and amazing stuff made of LEGO bricks. The builders were more than happy to show off their creations!

When I was told the House of Denmark was having their lawn program today, it all made sense. The LEGO company is based in Denmark, of course.

I also enjoyed looking at some cool Viking weapons and crafts displayed on the lawn nearby. If you want to check that out, visit my Beautiful Balboa Park blog by clicking here!

This tent was a magnet for the young and young-at-heart. Talented LEGO builders were showing off some cool creations!
This tent was a magnet for the young and young-at-heart. Talented LEGO builders were showing off some amazing creations!
I learned this castle was built from a kit. Everything else on display, however, was an original creation.
I learned this castle was built from a kit. Everything else on display, however, was an original creation.
Here we go! I see a fun train, a Viking ship and what looks like cars from an amusement park ride.
Here we go! I see a fun train, a Viking ship and what looks like cars from an amusement park ride.
Look at all the LEGO characters! I see the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Marvel comic book characters and many others!
Look at all the LEGO characters! I see the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Marvel comic book superheroes and supervillains and many others!
This first batch of LEGO creations was put together by Matt Armstrong, who runs MonsterBrick Creations!
This first batch of LEGO creations was put together by Matt Armstrong, who runs MonsterBrick Creations!
Now let's check out some cool Star Wars characters made of LEGO bricks. These were created by Miro Dudas of Humble Bricks.
Now let’s check out some cool Star Wars characters made of LEGO bricks. These were created by Miro Dudas of Humble Bricks.
His detailed Viking ship was awesome!
His detailed Viking ship was awesome!
An up-close look at the LEGO ship and its Viking warriors!
An up-close look at the LEGO ship and its Viking warriors!
This American flag created by another skilled builder was inspired by the Carlsbad Flower Fields! It took a long time and much patience to assemble!
This American flag created by another skilled LEGO builder was inspired by the Carlsbad Flower Fields! It took a long time and much patience to assemble!
There are three levels of colored flowers. The first level had to be installed first, then the second, then the third. The end result is amazing.
There are three levels of colored flowers. The first level had to be installed first, then the second, then the third. The end result is amazing.
OMG! One of my favorite movie scenes! It's a LEGO version of the Chocolate Room from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory!
OMG! One of my favorite movie scenes! It’s a LEGO version of the Chocolate Room from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory!
Pure imagination! A meadow full of candy made of LEGO bricks! I think Roald Dahl, author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, would have been delighted by this.
Pure imagination! A meadow full of candy made of LEGO bricks! I think Roald Dahl, author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, would have been delighted by this.
I was told that's Augustus Gloop near the bottom reaching for a chocolate flower. Don't fall into the river! Watch out for the pipes!
I was told that is Augustus Gloop near the bottom reaching for a chocolate flower. Don’t fall into the river! Watch out for the pipes!
Here comes an Oompa Loompa sailing down the chocolate river! The Chocolate Room was built by LEGO master John Cooper!
Here comes an Oompa Loompa sailing down the chocolate river! The Chocolate Room was built by LEGO master John Cooper!
A young man had made a number of super cool LEGO characters using his imagination.
A young man had made a number of super cool LEGO characters using his imagination.
Awesome!
Awesome!
The young man demonstrates how to make an adjustment to one LEGO creation.
The young man demonstrates how to make an adjustment to one LEGO creation.
This table on the International Cottages lawn contained all sorts of creations made by visitors to the House of Denmark event.
This table on the International Cottages lawn contained all sorts of unique LEGO creations made by visitors to the House of Denmark event.
I'm not sure what these guys are making. It could be literally anything!
I’m not sure what these guys are making. It could be literally anything!

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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!

Japanese video game characters in fun street art!

Blanka of Capcom's Street Fighter video games. Fun street art in National City.
Blanka of Capcom’s Street Fighter video games. Fun street art in National City.

A bunch of fun, colorful Japanese video game characters have been painted on several utility boxes near the center of National City. I spotted them while walking near the intersection of National City Boulevard and East 8th Street.

A whole universe of video game characters created over the years in Japan have contributed in a very big way to our popular culture. From Sonic the Hedgehog to Mario to the magical creatures of Pokémon, they populate video games, television shows, movies, comic books, toys . . and, as you can see, even some really fun street art!

Painted utility boxes near the corner of National CIty Boulevard and East 8th Street feature a variety of colorful Japanese video game characters.
Painted utility and transformer boxes near the corner of National CIty Boulevard and East 8th Street feature a variety of colorful Japanese video game characters.
Sonic the Hedgehog of Sega Games has been painted on a utility box in National City.
Sonic the Hedgehog of Sega Games has been painted on a utility box in National City.
Bub and Bob originally from the 1980s Taito video game Bubble Bobble.
Bub and Bob originally from the 1980s Taito video game Bubble Bobble.
Street art depicts Link of The Legend of Zelda video game series.
Street art depicts Link of The Legend of Zelda video game series.
A cute street art rendition of Princess Peach from the Mario video games.
A cute street art rendition of Princess Peach from the Mario video games.
Pikachu sits atop a Pokémon Poké Ball. Fun street art in National City.
Pikachu sits atop a Pokémon Poké Ball. Fun street art in National City.
Okay, the character beneath the Poké Ball looks somehow familiar, but I can't figure this one out. If you know who that is, please leave a comment!
The character beneath the Poké Ball looks somehow familiar, but I can’t figure this one out… Okay, a coworker identified him!  It’s Finn the Human from the animated television show Adventure Time.  Not of Japanese origin, apparently, but he has appeared in video games!
Chocobo from the Final Fantasy video games. Happy street art painted on a utility box.
Chocobo from the Final Fantasy video games. Happy street art painted on a utility box.
Luna from the popular Japanese manga series Sailor Moon. I'm not sure if Luna appeared in any video games.
Luna from the popular Japanese manga series Sailor Moon. I’m not sure if Luna appeared in any video games.
Nintendo's pop culture icon Mario fights Gooper Blooper in this fun, nostalgic street art.
Nintendo’s pop culture icon Mario fights Gooper Blooper in this fun, nostalgic street art.
A green Super Mario Koopa Paratroopa flies over a castle while our leaping hero steps on a Goomba!
A green Super Mario Koopa Paratroopa flies over a castle while our leaping hero steps on a Goomba!
A villainous Rocky Wrench pops out of a hole to attack Mario in this video game street art!
A villainous Rocky Wrench pops out of a hole to attack Mario in this video game street art!
I believe these are various images of enemies from the Mario video game franchise on top of the transformer.
I believe these are various images of enemies from the Mario video game franchise on top of the transformer.
Super Mario Galaxy has our hero capturing Power Stars in Outer Space! More street art in National City!
Super Mario Galaxy has our hero capturing Power Stars in Outer Space! More street art in National City!

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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!

San Diego Marines collect Toys for Tots!

Marines stand at pedestrian entrance to Navy Pier, welcoming people to the Toys For Tots event by the USS Midway Museum.
Marines stand at pedestrian entrance to Navy Pier, welcoming people to the Toys For Tots event by the USS Midway Museum.

Most of you reading Cool San Diego Sights probably can’t make it out to the Toys for Tots event today. It’s being held in downtown San Diego, on the pier next to the USS Midway Museum. But if you’d like to make a charitable donation to the cause, please go the Toys for Tots website.

I headed on down to Navy Pier for a few minutes to see what was going on. Not only did I spy Santa and Mrs. Claus, but a dancing green elf, and some very generous people. Toys collected (and donations made) help less fortunate children to have a Merry Christmas. Thank you United States Marine Corps!

Toys and donations are being collected by San Diego Marines next to the USS Midway. Santa will be parachuting onto the aircraft carrier throughout the day!
Toys and donations are being collected by San Diego Marines next to the USS Midway. Santa will be parachuting onto the aircraft carrier throughout the day!
This funky elf is present to lend a helping hand and a laugh or two!
This funky elf is present to lend a helping hand and a laugh or two!
Donated toys will fill this United States Marine Corps truck. A banner on its side commemorates the Marine Corps Reserve Centennial.
Donated toys will fill this United States Marine Corps truck. A banner on its side commemorates the Marine Corps Reserve Centennial.
Santa and Mrs. Claus are present again for the toy drive! I saw them here a year or two ago!
Santa and Mrs. Claus are visiting again for the toy drive! I saw them here a year ago!
San Diego Marines collect toys for the less fortunate, to be distributed by charitable organizations during Christmas.
San Diego Marines collect toys for the less fortunate, to be distributed by charitable organizations during Christmas.

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Conan as Superman, Stormtrooper, Ghostbuster and Joker!

Exactly like last year, 2016 San Diego Comic-Con trolley wraps sponsored by TBS feature Conan O'Brien turned into crazy Funko Pop! characters.
Just like last summer, 2016 San Diego Comic-Con trolley wraps sponsored by TBS feature Conan O’Brien turned into crazy Funko Pop! characters.

Here are photos of what will probably be the final trolley wrap for 2016 San Diego Comic-Con.  I hope I’m proven wrong!

Today a number of trolleys cars featuring brand new Conan O’Brien Funko Pop! figures began heading up and down the Green Line; I counted at least five cars so far. The wrap is quite similar to last year’s TBS Comic-Con offering, but this time Conan has been transformed into four completely different pop culture characters.

In 2016 Conan is Superman, a Stormtrooper, a Ghostbuster and Joker. Of course, movies involving these characters are either imminent or on the way, so the wraps work as advertisements for those movies, for Funko Pop! vinyl figure toys, for San Diego Comic-Con, and lastly for Conan O’Brien’s talk show on TBS.

I’ve heard that like last year, Conan will be performing live at the Spreckels Theater on Broadway in downtown San Diego. Catch him and his inimitable humor starting July 20!

Conan O'Brien will be Live From Comic-Con starting July 20. His talk show antics will be enjoyed in the Spreckels Theater in downtown San Diego.
Conan O’Brien will be Live From Comic-Con starting July 20. His talk show antics will be enjoyed in the Spreckels Theater in downtown San Diego.
Here Conan is turned into the Joker from the upcoming Suicide Squad movie. He might be damaged, but he has nowhere near enough tattoos.
Here Conan is turned into the Joker from the upcoming Suicide Squad movie. He might be damaged, but he has nowhere near enough tattoos.
Looks to me as if Conan is a Star Wars Stormtrooper here. He must've lost his helmet.
Looks to me as if Conan is a Star Wars Stormtrooper here. He must’ve lost his helmet.
Yes, here's Conan as a Ghostbuster, trying not to be slimed. Even though those black eyes make him look possessed and evil.
Yes, here’s Conan as a Ghostbuster, trying not to be slimed. Even though those black eyes make him look possessed and evil.
And finally Conan O'Brien has been turned into good old Superman. Not sure if this is the cranky good old Superman who sometimes kills his enemies.
And finally Conan O’Brien has been turned into good old Superman. Not sure if this is the cranky good old Superman who sometimes kills his enemies.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! If all goes well, I’m gonna have a ton of Comic-Con photos on my blog this year! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Fun sailing on Mission Bay’s model boat pond.

Member of the San Diego Argonauts gets ready to place a small sailboat into Vacation Isle's model yacht pond.
Member of the San Diego Argonauts gets ready to place a small sailboat into Vacation Isle’s model yacht pond.

A silvery sheet of water near the center of Vacation Isle is where dreams take sail. Tiny dreams with tiny sails.

Today I took a long meandering walk about Mission Bay, and spent a fair amount of time lingering around what is simply called the model yacht pond. Connected to the bay with an underground pipe, the pond rises and falls with the ocean’s tides. The tranquil sheet of saltwater, surrounded by grass, trees and the many picnic benches of Vacation Isle Park, has been enjoyed by model boat hobbyists for over half a century.

A very cool club called the San Diego Argonauts utilizes the model yacht pond for radio control model boating and racing. Every Saturday morning, their Scale Boat Division runs electric and steam-powered craft on the pond. Many of the tiny vessels are remarkably detailed, even museum quality. One tiny tugboat even blew its horn at me while I took some photographs!

Saturday afternoons is when the wind-driven sailboats come out to compete or practice. The Sail Division of the San Diego Argonauts has many skippers who’ve won National Championships!

Today I saw so many sails at once, I could hardly believe it! The model yacht pond was the scene of a glorious regatta. These model boat sails tack by remote control, so racing around the tiny floating buoys requires many of the same strategies as racing a full-size sailboat!

On Sunday the pond features model power boats, which can reach speeds of 60 miles per hour! I’ll definitely have to check that out one weekend! I’ll take pictures!

Model boating is a fascinating, beautiful hobby to watch. I’ll bet it’s a lot of fun building a boat and watching it float across this magical pond!

A scale boat enthusiast spends part of his Saturday in San Diego's sunny Vacation Isle Park.
A scale boat enthusiast spends part of his Saturday in San Diego’s sunny Vacation Isle Park.
Two electric-powered model boats navigate by radio control across the smooth pond.
Two electric-powered model boats navigate by radio control across the smooth pond.
This small tugboat blew it's horn as I took this photo!
This small tugboat blew it’s horn as I took this photo!
A model sailboat is made ready. The friendly guy who owns this boat showed me how the sails are moved by remote control.
A model sailboat is made ready. The friendly guy who owns this boat showed me how the sails are moved by remote control.
Another member of the San Diego Argonauts wheels his sailboat down to the bank of the model yacht pond.
Another member of the San Diego Argonauts wheels his sailboat down to the bank of the model yacht pond.
Wading out, in order to place one model sailboat into the water.
Wading out, in order to place one model sailboat into the water.
The miniature boats look beautiful on the gleaming water. They operate in the ocean breeze much like actual sailboats.
The miniature boats look beautiful on the gleaming water. They operate in the ocean breeze much like actual sailboats.
Three model sailboats tack to go around a tiny buoy.
Three model sailboats tack to go around a tiny buoy.
The model yacht pond can be found near the center of San Diego's huge Mission Bay Park, which is the largest urban aquatic park in the United States.
The model yacht pond can be found near the center of San Diego’s huge Mission Bay Park, which is the largest urban aquatic park in the United States.
Many sails float dreamlike across the blue water.
Many sails float dreamlike across the blue water.
A fun day in the park for young and old alike.
A fun day in the park for young and old alike.

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