Put comics and San Diego together and you have the legendary Comic-Con International: San Diego! What started as a small comic book convention or “minicon” in 1970 blossomed into the largest gathering of comic, movie, science fiction and pop culture enthusiasts in the United States. Over the years thousands of artists, celebrities and their fans gather in San Diego to create awareness, show appreciation and celebrate their love for comic books, movie memorabilia and other aspects of popular arts and culture.
The San Diego Convention Center has been home to the Comic-Con for over two decades with a record of over 130,000 attendees. With the massive number of people, satellite locations are now located in nearby hotels and parks. Comic-Con fans can enjoy an intense 4-day convention that includes a film festival, exhibits, workshops, games, the Comic Industry Awards and so much more!
One of the highlights include a candid discussion between fans and comic-world greats. Comics creators, fantasy and science fiction authors, film and television creators, producers, directors and writers, come together with their fans to discuss aspects of their art and pop culture. Along with the academic programming, there’s also a costume competition, several art shows, autograph signing, and portfolio reviews where aspiring artists can show off their work.
Comic-Con continues to be the biggest event in comics and pop culture, presenting countless comics, pop art, fantasy and science fiction to hundreds of thousands who come here from all over the world. This year Comic-Con International: San Diego opens its doors once again at the San Diego Convention Center. The Preview Night opens on Wednesday, July 23, with the 4-day event scheduled from Thursday, July 24 through Sunday, July 27. 2014. This marks the 45th year of the Comic-Con making it the longest running comics and popular arts convention in the United States!
After weeks of one heart-stopping action after another, we have finally come to the finals. This Sunday, Germany and Argentina will face each other in another battle for football supremacy! The question in everyone’s mind is who will take home the 2014 FIFA World Cup? Who’s your pick?
For those who missed the catastrophic battle between Germany and Brazil, here’s a quick rundown:
At kickoff everything seemed hopeful for Brazil, with a corner kick on the first minute and an attempt on goal by Marcelo. Yet, despite the throngs of Brazillians coming at him, Thomas Muller scores the first goal for Germany eleven minutes into the game.
Brazil’s World Cup dream was shattered starting the 23rd minute when Miroslav Klose scored the second goal of the game, making him the highest scorer in World Cup history. This started the unfortunate series of events for the Brazilians as the Germans scored goal after goal. The barrage of German goals ended on the 29th minute with Sami Khedira scoring the 5th goal. It was said to be the most tragic 360 seconds in the Brazillian National Team’s history since their 1920 loss to Uruguay. Germany’s Andre Schurle finished the it off with two more goals added on the second half. Fans of the host country are left trying to recover between feelings of shock and sadness as team Brazil left the field in stunned silence.
As for the game between Argentina vs Netherlands, you can call it the ultimate cliff-hanger between equally matched teams. Both teams tried their best to outwit and outrun each other only to score 0-0 in the end of the thrilling 90 minute semi-finals. Come penalty time things got spicier as Messi shot the first goal with a sweep on the 4th goal by Maxi Rodríguez. The game ended at 4-2 on penalty shoot-out versus Netherlands, sending Argentina straight to meet Germany at the 2014 World Cup Finals!
With just a couple of more days to go, who do you think deserves to win the cup?
San Diego is a bustling city brimming with talent. You can find art, music and entertainment in every street corner. There is always something for everyone, whether you love electronic pop, classical, jazz, or old school music there is always something for you to discover in every park, bar or street corner.
This summer the Downtown Partnership presents “Sounds of Summer” a series of live musical shows in every possible genre. Watch them for free throughout the streets of San Diego. So take a stroll downtown and be on the lookout for pop-up stages and live music scattered throughout everywhere. Enjoy colorful entertainment on street corners, in the park or by the bay all summer long from July until August!
Here’s a list of shows you won’t want to miss!
FRIDAY, JULY 11
Location 1: US Grant from noon to 2 p.m.
Musician: Gabriel Sundy and Antar Martin (sax and bass duo)
Location 2: Spike Africa’s Fish Grill & Bar at Fourth Ave. and Broadway from 3 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Musician: Conner Correll (guitar)
FRIDAY, JULY 18
Location 1: 701 B Street from noon to 2 p.m.
Musician: Simon Hosking & Joe Cardillo (guitar and saxophone)
Location 2: County Waterfront Park 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Musician: Lexington Field (American fiddle rock)
FRIDAY, JULY 25
Location 1: 401 B Street from noon to 2 p.m.
Musician: Paper Moon (guitar duo)
Location 2: Westfield Horton Plaza/Horton Circle from noon to 2 p.m.
Musician: Kova
We’ll keep you posted on the August events, meanwhile don’t forget to drop by Aladdin for the finest Mediterranean cuisine in town!