San Diego is My Home

04
Apr

Ben Vereen in Town

Author: HelenKay, Category: Arts, Events & Happenings, Music, Special Shows

Tony-award winning singer, actor, dancer Ben Vereen is in town this weekend.  He will perform with the San Diego Symphony at Copley Hall.  The name of the production is Ben Vereen Sings Sammy.  The “Sammy” is Sammy Davis, Jr.  and this is a tribute to his work.

You have two chances to see Vereen perform - Friday (4th) and Saturday (5th) at 8:00 p.m.  Check here for ticket information.

04
Apr

Rep. Issa’s Big Goof

Author: HelenKay, Category: Emergency Situations, Neighborhoods, Politics

U.S. Representative Darrell Issa (Republican from Northern San Diego County) got himself in a bit of trouble this week.  During congressional hearings regarding additional benefits for the 9/11 victims, Rep. Issa described the World Trade Center attacks as:

“…a fire that had no dirty bomb in it, it had no chemical munitions in it. It simply was an aircraft, residue of two aircraft and residue of the material used to build this building.”

Yeah, that did not go over all that well.  Many viewed his comments as being dissmissive of the attacks.  He argues that he was merely questioning whether benefits should be extended to people who were not physically injured and who did not work at Ground Zero.   Some fellow Congressional folk did not accept the explanantion.  Rep. Issa has been called stupid, unpatriotic and insensitive.

Admittedly, his delivery needs work.  But questioning a blank check and wondering if the federal government is going to compensate anyone involved in similar terrorist attacks in the future is legitimate.   A reasoned discussion without namecalling might be the best way to come up with a solution to this difficult issue.  Have members of Congress forgotten how to do that?

For Rep. Issa’s part, talking about 9/11 in terms of ariplane residue is about as smart as setting his desk up in the middle of the 805 and trying to do work.  We’re talking about people killed in a terrorist attack.  Show some smarts when trying to raise a point that needs to be raised.

Politicians…

02
Apr

Circus Time

Author: HelenKay, Category: Arts, Events & Happenings, Special Shows

There’s a circus in town.  But this sounds like a different type of circus.  It’s called Technomania Circus. This is really about light shows and performance art and…well, that’s all I can tell you.

If you want to check it out for yourself, head to the Center For Amusing Arts (Commercial Street) this Saturday (April 5th) at 7:30 p.m. for the show. You can also try the link (see above), but be forewarned that the “Meet The Circus” part of the link is under construction.

01
Apr

The Superfrog

Author: HelenKay, Category: All For Charity, Beaches, Exercise, Military

Love Coronado?  Love the Navy SEALs?  Love exercise?  Love at least one of those…?

Sunday (April 6th) is the Superfrog Triathlon.  That’s just the best name ever. It stands for a triathlon consisting of a 1.2-mile swim, 54-mile bike ride and 13.1-mile run.  The highlight, of course, is that you get to race along with the SEALs.  The other good news is that this benefits a great cause.  The proceeds go to the Naval Special Warfare Foundation, an organization that honors those who have served in the sea commando services since WWII.

The event takes place at Silver Strand Beach.  You can register here.  Or, if you’re like me, just come out to watch people who are in such great shape get even more fit.

01
Apr

The Wiggles

Author: HelenKay, Category: Arts, Events & Happenings, Music, SDSU, Special Shows

The Wiggles are in town.  For some, that likely sounds like a disease.  For others, it’s the only sound that brings peace to an otherwise rowdy home full of preschoolers.   For still others…both answers are right.

The Wiggles are agroup of four dudes from Australia who sing kids’ songs and put on elaborate shows that mesmerize kids.  If you’ve never heard of them, you likely don’t have kids.  In that case, my suggestion would be to stay away from Cox Arena this evening.  The Wiggles perform there at 6:30 p.m. This means traffic congestion in and around the college area…where I live. Yes, I will be staying home this evening.

26
Mar

Flower Fields

Author: HelenKay, Category: Events & Happenings, Festivals, Neighborhoods

The hills are alive with flowers once again.  The Flower Fields® at Carlsbad Ranch are open. The season runs through approximately May 10th. For a fee, you get to wander through rows and rows of flowers. Walk or pay a bit extra and ride the tractor - it’s your choice. Fifty acres are yours to explore.

The Flower Fields are located about halfway between Orange County and San Diego off Interstate 5 (exit on Palomar Airport Road in Carlsbad). The flowers won’t last forever and appromately 150,000 visitors are expected, so get going.

25
Mar

Humphrey’s Concerts

Author: HelenKay, Category: Arts, Comedy Shows, Festivals, Music, Special Shows

Humphrey’s By The Bay has announced its new schedule.  And - wowza! 

The 2008 season promises some fine music, good comedians and awesome entertainment in a  fabulous venue.  Tickets for three shows are on sale now:

July 16th - Chris Isaak
July 27th - Ringo Starr & his All Starr Band
August 18th - Gipsy Kings

Tickets for the remaining shows - and there are a bunch them - go on sale March 29th at 10:00 a.m.   Here’s the schedule.

24
Mar

Toreros

Author: HelenKay, Category: Sports

The USD Toreros are out of the men’s NCAA tournament.  The team won its first game.  Lost the second to Western Kentucky in a close match.  The Tournament rages on…without USD.  But it was a fabulous season.  Congrats to the team. 

Get ‘em next year…

20
Mar

Get Your Bonnets Ready

Author: HelenKay, Category: Events & Happenings, Holiday Events

Easter is on Sunday.  In addition to the obvious religious aspects, this means it’s bunny and candy time.  What a fabulous holiday…

Petco Park gets into the action by handing over the facility to children for a ”Park at the Park” event.  There’s a parade and the obligatory egg hunt.  For those who like something a little different, there’s even a hat-making workshop.

This annual event starts at 11:00 a.m, so hop on over (couldn’t resist, sorry).

19
Mar

Big Band Music

Author: HelenKay, Category: Arts, Music, Special Shows, Theater

In The Mood, a touring musical revue (and Glann Miller hit), is in town. This is a two hour extravaganza of singing and dancing with the music of Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, Harry James, Erskin Hawkins, The Andrews Sisters, Frank Sinatra and more. The revue is in its 15th year.

The musical comes to the Balboa Theatre tomorrow (Thursday March 20th) at 7:00 p.m.