Smorg
Living in San Diego, CA
Total page views: 52,833
Published Content: 187
Fans: 62
On AC since: 06.18.07
Bio:
Opera and classical music fan in Southern California. Reachable at sdcmorg@yahoo.com (put 'AC' on subject line). Most active at SmorgZone.blogspot.com
Opera and classical music fan in Southern California. Reachable at sdcmorg@yahoo.com (put 'AC' on subject line). Most active at SmorgZone.blogspot.com
Education/Experience:
MS
MS
Interests:
classical music, opera, non-fiction books, science, engineering, Russian lit, adventures, travel, mountaineering,
classical music, opera, non-fiction books, science, engineering, Russian lit, adventures, travel, mountaineering,
Motto:
Philosophia krateito photon
Philosophia krateito photon
Showing Results 1 - 187 of 187
An overview of what to expect when listening to Wolfgang Mozart's timeless opera seria on a side-theme from the Iliad.
By Smorg | Published 7/6/2009 | Read more »
She muses aloud in exotic melodies that enliven the summer nights; elusively intimate, emotionally intense and detached, her endless introspection lingers in the air long after the last note. Meet Vesselina Kasarova and the romantic French song cycles.
By Smorg | Published 6/30/2009 | Read more »
Photos from various parts of the beautiful Marina District of downtown San Diego... Including Seaport Village.
By Smorg | Published 6/28/2009 | View here »
A frivolous post of my impressions while listening to classical spring songs on the stereo (Schubert, Strauss, Stravinsky)
By Smorg | Published 6/16/2009 | Read more »
All sorts of boats call the port of San Diego home. Here are a few...
By Smorg | Published 6/14/2009 | View here »
What to expect when you drop in at the Philippine Museum in the Gaslamp Quarter in Downtown San Diego.
By Smorg | Published 6/6/2009 | Read more »
A look around the Asian Pacific Historical District in downtown San Diego (where old Chinatown used to be).
By Smorg | Published 6/5/2009 | Read more »
A few great scenic places in and around downtown San Diego, California.
By Smorg | Published 6/5/2009 | Read more »
This is an overpriced self-serve deli with prepackaged health food, sushi, salad bar, and juice bar.
By Smorg | Published 6/2/2009 | Read more »
A slice of the Victorian Era in the well preserved Old Town San Diego.
By Smorg | Published 5/27/2009 | Read more »
List of 10 favorite fast beat adrenaline-rush music from the classical music genre... with sample clips.
By Smorg | Published 5/25/2009 | Read more »
Ever wonder how little pigeons come to be? or what the blue plastic bags on street poles are for?
By Smorg | Published 5/21/2009 | Watch here »
Some photos from the Top of the Hyatt Lounge at the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel in San Diego, California.
By Smorg | Published 5/20/2009 | View here »
What to expect when you visit William Heath Davis House, the oldest structure in new town San Diego.
By Smorg | Published 5/20/2009 | Read more »
What to do in ritzy La Jolla, San Diego, California, aside from shopping and boutique store hopping. The place is a natural paradise!
By Smorg | Published 5/19/2009 | Read more »
The cheapest sushi in town. Go for the teriyaki platter, though. You'll wish you had to pay more for it.
By Smorg | Published 5/18/2009 | Read more »
Extreme Pita in downtown San Diego is a good place to pocket a fast lunch-dinner before the symphony or the opera.
By Smorg | Published 5/18/2009 | Read more »
Silence is golden... unless it's time to clap.
By Smorg | Published 5/15/2009 | Read more »
Experience the wildness of nature while staying within the city limit of San Diego.
By Smorg | Published 5/15/2009 | Read more »
A cyber-interview with Christiane Karg, the German soprano opera singer. At only 29, she is proving prodigious as a singing actress and a very candid interviewee, too.
By Smorg | Published 5/14/2009 | Read more »
Visit the historic ships at the San Diego Maritime Museum.
By Smorg | Published 5/13/2009 | Read more »
A good new and affordable Thai restaurant in downtown La Jolla (San Diego, California).
By Smorg | Published 5/12/2009 | Read more »
You can't have too many heads on your shoulders when you visit this hat-ful place.
By Smorg | Published 5/11/2009 | Read more »
Fly with the birds over San Diego's gorgeous ocean bluffs at Torrey Pines Gliderport in La Jolla.
By Smorg | Published 5/11/2009 | Read more »
Patricia Racette as Madama Butterfly is the all caps MAIN EVENT at the San Diego Opera. If you only want to see one opera this year, THIS is it.
By Smorg | Published 5/10/2009 | Read more »
This is a pirate's heaven in the beautiful haven of Seaport Village. Gift shop to go for the sea-loving.
By Smorg | Published 5/8/2009 | Read more »
Payless Shoe Source is the place to go to find the pair of shoes you want for a reasonable price while in downtown San Diego.
By Smorg | Published 5/6/2009 | Read more »
Review of a local favorite deli that offers great pannini sandwiches, wraps, salads, and coffee for amazingly low price.
By Smorg | Published 5/2/2009 | Read more »
A little downtown grocery store that doesn't break your bank.
By Smorg | Published 5/1/2009 | Read more »
There is no zen-er place in town than at Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park.
By Smorg | Published 5/1/2009 | Read more »
Here is a review of Ross Dress for Less in downtown San Diego, a wretchedly understocked store that offers a lot of frustrating shopping experiences.
By Smorg | Published 4/30/2009 | Read more »
Review of J. Wok, an affordable Asian fusion restaurant just a foul ball away from Petco Park in downtown San Diego, California.
By Smorg | Published 4/30/2009 | Read more »
Review of a cheap American-Chinese diner you can have a meal at without breaking your bank while visiting downtown San Diego.
By Smorg | Published 4/29/2009 | Read more »
Just a listen (with links to sample clips) of classical and opera tunes I've heard on television recently.
By Smorg | Published 4/22/2009 | Read more »
JJ's Sunset Deli at the fishing pier on the Embarcadero Marina Park-South and offers good affordable food with a gorgeous bay view.
By Smorg | Published 4/21/2009 | Read more »
Review of Mak Cleaners in East Village neighborhood of Downtown San Diego.
By Smorg | Published 4/20/2009 | Read more »
A visit to the leisurely hip Freak Factory eclectic souvenir shop in surf-crazy Mission Beach in San Diego, California.
By Smorg | Published 4/20/2009 | Read more »
Review of opening performance of Britten's sea-themed opera about a social outcast who struggles against a (rightly or wrongly) judgmental society in a dreary British fishing village.
By Smorg | Published 4/19/2009 | Read more »
Thai Time II near San Diego Sports Arena offers good tasting and affordable Thai food for those who can use some more spices in their culinary lives.
By Smorg | Published 4/16/2009 | Read more »
A few evening photos from the crumbling sandstone cliffs on the Pacific coast of Pt. Loma in San Diego, California.
By Smorg | Published 4/15/2009 | View here »
Fast food doesn't have to be fatty these days. The Pita Pit in Pacific Beach is the place to grab a quick and healthy lunch or dinner without having to worry too much about its caloric content.
By Smorg | Published 4/15/2009 | Read more »
More look/listen at another 4 of my favorite currently active operatic sopranos. Part 2 of 3 (Hartelius, Naglestad, Antonacci, Gruberova).
By Smorg | Published 4/11/2009 | Read more »
Review of a good, little Korean barbeque eatery in Kearny Mesa/Clairemont Mesa area of San Diego, California.
By Smorg | Published 4/8/2009 | Read more »
Review of Sau Voi Vietnamese deli at the Ranch 99 Market in Kearny Mesa, San Diego, CA.
By Smorg | Published 4/6/2009 | Read more »
Review of San Diego Symphony's performance of Respighi's Le fontane di Roma, Mendelssohn-Bartholdy's E minor violin concerto and Italian symphony on April 4th at Copley Hall.
By Smorg | Published 4/5/2009 | Read more »
A look at what to expect at the San Diego Air & Space Museum.
By Smorg | Published 3/31/2009 | Read more »
Review of the first two performances of Verdi's tuneful opera, Rigoletto, at the San Diego Civic Theater (28, 31 Mar 2009).
By Smorg | Published 3/29/2009 | Read more »
A wholesome little burger lounge in the quiet northern end of Little Italy in San Diego, California.
By Smorg | Published 3/28/2009 | Read more »
A good place to lunch on fried or grilled fish while in downtown San Diego.
By Smorg | Published 3/28/2009 | Read more »
An office away from home while you are in downtown San Diego... if you can afford it.
By Smorg | Published 3/27/2009 | Read more »
A good place to catch a meaty Chinese lunch or dinner for under $10.
By Smorg | Published 3/27/2009 | Read more »
99 Ranch Market is the mother of all Asian food grocery stores. Name an Asian cooking ingredient and chances are good you'll find it here. Its deli also does killer dim sum!
By Smorg | Published 3/26/2009 | Read more »
With the economy doing a very convincing imitation of a sloth, shopping at the neighborhood thrift stores is the sensible thing to do for many (yours truly included).
By Smorg | Published 3/25/2009 | Read more »
A look around the Embarcadero Marina Park (North and South) in downtown San Diego, CA. Located on the San Diego Bay south of Tuna Harbor and Seaport Village, this is a ring park with 2 halves enclosing the Marriott Hotel's Marina.
By Smorg | Published 3/21/2009 | View here »
Wahrenbrock's is THE used & rare book place to go in Downtown area. It's a three story labyrinth of enticing literature that keep even the geekiest of bookworms happy.
By Smorg | Published 3/17/2009 | Read more »
Pannikin in downtown San Diego is a quirky seller of exotic coffee beans, tea, spices, and psychedelic retro gift items. A caffeine-theme nirvana of tea enthusiasts.
By Smorg | Published 3/17/2009 | Read more »
An interview with Elizabeth Tryon, a classically trained singer who is sailing in the fast moving water of classical cross-over music.
By Smorg | Published 3/12/2009 | Read more »
An annoyed musing on how easy it is to be sold a bridge when you don't pay attention and know to doubt the accuracy of what you're told.
By Smorg | Published 3/12/2009 | Read more »
Another musing on a nostalgic orchestral song by Smorg the music glutton. Richard Strauss' September (from 'Four Last Songs)
By Smorg | Published 2/27/2009 | Read more »
Not all voices are created equal. Some are more ship-launch-able than others. Here is my pick for the most sensual female voice on the planet.
By Smorg | Published 2/24/2009 | Read more »
Import retailer offering handmade goods and tasty packaged food from all over the world for a good price in downtown San Diego, California.
By Smorg | Published 2/19/2009 | Read more »
The ultimate neighborly neighborhood bookstore where forgotten literary treasures ambush you in its aisles.
By Smorg | Published 2/19/2009 | Read more »
Thai Grill is a low-keyed intimate little northern Thai eatery in Hillcrest. Good food for good price and good service.
By Smorg | Published 2/19/2009 | Read more »
Japanese food isn't all raw fish wrapped in seaweed. There are lots of good curries to be had, too!
By Smorg | Published 2/19/2009 | Read more »
An encounter with the most historically accurate replica of Christopher Columbus' Nina. Keep an eye out for her visit to a sea port near you.
By Smorg | Published 2/16/2009 | Read more »
Over the last 2 weekends in January the San Diego Maritime Museum put on spectacular re-enactments of 18th Century tall ships battles with 2 of its residents; HMS Surprise & the Californian and the visiting Lynx and Amazing Grace).
By Smorg | Published 2/15/2009 | View here »
Furlanetto makes Don Quichotte's first return to San Diego in 40 years a triumph worth experiencing.
By Smorg | Published 2/15/2009 | Read more »
This good and cheap Mexican restaurant across C St from City College is both easy going in atmosphere and in taste.
By Smorg | Published 2/12/2009 | Read more »
Point Loma Seafood deli-fish market-restaurant is a local lunch favorite for all the good reason. Truly fresh, and truly filling.
By Smorg | Published 2/12/2009 | Read more »
Smorg's picks of 10 flirtative and/or erotic operatic songs to warm up the stereo on St. Valentine's Day... and beyond.
By Smorg | Published 2/10/2009 | Read more »
Bay Cafe on the Ferry Landing in Downtown San Diego offers good food and great view for modest price.
By Smorg | Published 2/9/2009 | Read more »
Coronado on the west side of the San Diego Bay is a dream town of well kept wooden houses, manicured lawns, spectacular beaches and marina, and red-top Hotel Del Coronado.
By Smorg | Published 2/9/2009 | Read more »
Smorg is not happy with a particularly obnoxious bird at the moment...
By Smorg | Published 2/7/2009 | Read more »
This is a great place to grab an affordable lunch or dinner before going to the opera, Broadway show, or music concert in Downtown San Diego.
By Smorg | Published 2/3/2009 | Read more »
Is it fair to make today's singers compete with past legends for your affections even though the requirements of the times are so different? I say no. And here are why...
By Smorg | Published 2/1/2009 | Read more »
Here's a good place to grab a cheap but filling lunch while exploring Coronado Island.
By Smorg | Published 1/29/2009 | Read more »
Little Italy is the pedestrian-friendly neighborhood of Downtown San Diego next to the airport, the Embarcadero, and the skyscrapers of Columbia District. Lots of great Italian restaurants, boutiques, and people (and plane) watching sitting piazzas.
By Smorg | Published 1/29/2009 | Read more »
A walking tour of Downtown San Diego's Core and Columbia neighborhoods where the tall buildings and the government complexes are.
By Smorg | Published 1/22/2009 | Read more »
Cheap Chinese/Japanese/Korean fast food close to Civic Theater (opera, ballet, broadway) and Copley Symphony Hall in Downtown San Diego.
By Smorg | Published 1/22/2009 | Read more »
Aside from the usual attractions in Downtown San Diego, here are 5 lovable things you can enjoy with your date on St. Valentine's Day.
By Smorg | Published 1/22/2009 | Read more »
Since January 20, 2009 is hopefully the day the USA turns the corner from the degressive ideology that has marred our recent image, here are a few 'transformative' music from the classical/opera corner to go with the occasion.
By Smorg | Published 1/19/2009 | Read more »
A tour of the San Diego Embarcadero. This waterfront (and its many attractions) is what makes the nickname 'America's Finest City' stick!
By Smorg | Published 1/19/2009 | Read more »
Banker's Hill in uptown San Diego is the area's hidden treasure of historic Victorian Era houses, well shaded streets and canyons spanned by pedestrian bridges. It's a good plane-spotting place.
By Smorg | Published 1/19/2009 | Read more »
Review of Cafe 222, a hip breakfast and (early) lunch diner in the Marina District of Downtown San Diego.
By Smorg | Published 1/19/2009 | Read more »
Mona Lisa in Little Italy does REAL Italian food. This family owned restaurant/deli/food grocery has much to offer for any craver of an authentic Sicilian lunch or dinner.
By Smorg | Published 1/16/2009 | Read more »
Coronado Brewing Company in San Diego, California is a neighborhood brewery-restaurant-sport bar just a short walk from the Coronado Ferry landing.
By Smorg | Published 1/15/2009 | Read more »
First part of my list of 12 personal favorite soprani. Why I like them, and a few sample clips: Nina Stemme, Angela Denoke, Anja Harteros, Krassimira Stoyanova
By Smorg | Published 1/14/2009 | Read more »
East Village neighborhood of Downtown San Diego is the rapidly developing residential area east of Gaslamp Quarters and southeast of Core District. It is home to Petco Park baseball stadium.
By Smorg | Published 1/14/2009 | Read more »
Good Chinese food for a reasonable price close to the City College area.
By Smorg | Published 1/14/2009 | Read more »
Broadway Pizza in Downtown is open 24/7. Edible food at manageable price. Make it take-out or delivery. Dodgy neighborhood.
By Smorg | Published 1/13/2009 | Read more »
Great homely Persian food for good price in Downtown San Diego.
By Smorg | Published 1/13/2009 | Read more »
Identification of some of Downtown San Diego's tallest skyscrapers (so when you see a shot of our skyline on tv, you can now tell which building is which).
By Smorg | Published 1/12/2009 | Read more »
Take-out only, cash-only Mexican fast food joint. Where else can you lunch for $5 in San Diego's Little Italy?
By Smorg | Published 1/12/2009 | Read more »
The Marina District is the residential neighborhood of the well to do's in Downtown San Diego. It also houses the Convention Center, Seaport Village, and the MLK Promenade.
By Smorg | Published 1/12/2009 | Read more »
Hotdogs @428 G Street in Gaslamp Quarters is a great place for a cheap bite of food before the movie or hitting the clubs at night. Opens 'til 2AM most nights!
By Smorg | Published 1/12/2009 | Read more »
Lucy's Taco Shop in Downtown San Diego, California is a no fuss, no frill Mexican taco shop where you can breakfast or lunch for less than $10.
By Smorg | Published 1/12/2009 | Read more »
A review of Island Spice Jamaican restaurant, a quirky and friendly eatery with big taste and portions.
By Smorg | Published 1/5/2009 | Read more »
This roomy bookstore in downtown San Diego occupies two-story-tall, red-brick and glass building at the southwest corner of 6th Avenue and G Street in Gaslamp Quarters.
By Smorg | Published 1/5/2009 | Read more »
A review of the extremely popular Anthony's Fish Grotto/Fishette on the Embarcadero in Downtown. Great place for fried fish and people/sea bird watching.
By Smorg | Published 12/31/2008 | Read more »
List of selected classical music performances (opera, ballet, symphony, chamber music) in the city of San Diego for January-March 2009.
By Smorg | Published 12/29/2008 | Read more »
What Gaslamp Quarters has to offer, and some upcoming events for winter and spring of 2009.
By Smorg | Published 12/29/2008 | Read more »
Did you know that you can now catch many excellent operas from renowned opera houses at the movie theater? You get good visual and audio for half the price of actually attending an opera performance and no dressing up needed either.
By Smorg | Published 12/27/2008 | Read more »
The pharmacy and convenient store for the Gaslamp Quarters and East Village area.
By Smorg | Published 12/26/2008 | Read more »
No fuss, no frill, but seriously tasty sandwich in lovably unpretentious setting.
By Smorg | Published 12/26/2008 | Read more »
British theme sport bar in neighborly Little Italy. More a landmark for sightseers than a local haunt.
By Smorg | Published 12/26/2008 | Read more »
A British-American 'Hooter'-ish sport bar right next to Petco Park's right field. Ideal place for stag party... but don't bring a date unless she can handle being served by swim/kilt suit models... pretty much.
By Smorg | Published 12/26/2008 | Read more »
The only real supermarket in Downtown proper. Pricey, but very convenient.
By Smorg | Published 12/23/2008 | Read more »
Full service internet cafe without breaking your bank.
By Smorg | Published 12/23/2008 | Read more »
A few hummable operatic tunes to impress your loved ones with during the final week of December.
By Smorg | Published 12/19/2008 | Read more »
Review of The Tin Fish in Gaslamp Quarters (Downtown San Diego). Take a friend and share good seafood with good view!
By Smorg | Published 12/17/2008 | Read more »
A review of Bread on Market Bakery & Restaurant in the East Village part of Downtown San Diego.
By Smorg | Published 12/15/2008 | Read more »
This is a review of Dublin Square Irish pub in Gaslamp Quarters. It's a very green (and great) sport bar!
By Smorg | Published 12/15/2008 | Read more »
How come a pudgy cat is cute while a pudgy middle age human isn't?
By Smorg | Published 12/11/2008 | Read more »
The Mission SOMA at 13th and J in Downtown San Diego is a place for innovative breakfast & lunch.
By Smorg | Published 12/8/2008 | Read more »
Some Spanish classical music you didn't know that you know...
By Smorg | Published 12/6/2008 | Read more »
Review of Albertson's and Savon Pharmacy in East Village section of Downtown San Diego, California. It's one of 2 full-size groceries in the area.
By Smorg | Published 12/4/2008 | Read more »
In the Downtown area, you won't get a better deal than you'd find at Lotus Thai Restaurant at the corner of Market St and 9th Avenue (in East Village area).
By Smorg | Published 12/2/2008 | Read more »
A review of Great Wall Restaurant in downtown San Diego, edible food for $5.
By Smorg | Published 11/26/2008 | Read more »
Help wanted: Become and extra for the San Diego Opera next season and get to see the shows for free!
By Smorg | Published 11/23/2008 | Read more »
A few classical music tunes that haunt my cranium this time of year...
By Smorg | Published 11/22/2008 | Read more »
Review of Cafe Noir, a hip coffee/tea/light-meal joint in East Village a block north of Petco Park in Downtown San Diego, CA, USA.
By Smorg | Published 11/21/2008 | Read more »
Thai Island and Sushi Restaurant in Downtown San Diego is always worth checking out.
By Smorg | Published 11/14/2008 | Read more »
Risque license Alert: a few anatomical songs to lift the spirit (and the flesh that holds it) of those affected by breast cancer
By Smorg | Published 10/19/2008 | Read more »
Why do you think opera fans have such reputation as a bunch of petty and intolerant snobs? Do your part to fix this image!
By Smorg | Published 10/13/2008 | Read more »
If you like cross-over music, then you already like many songs from the opera. Why not try some really great version of them?
By Smorg | Published 10/9/2008 | Read more »
List of classical music events in metropolitan San Diego area from October 1st to December 31st, 2008.
By Smorg | Published 10/8/2008 | Read more »
Ten hair-raising operatic songs to keep you perpetually spooked through the Halloween season.
By Smorg | Published 10/7/2008 | Read more »
Seven of the most difficult operatic songs for high virtuoso soprano.
By Smorg | Published 10/6/2008 | Read more »
Shall this Olympia get to Mt. Olympus?
By Smorg | Published 10/6/2008 | Read more »
What many opera fans take for granted as the standard of bel canto singing is no standard at all. Free the singers from inaccurate preconceptions and appreciate the living art for its originality!
By Smorg | Published 10/4/2008 | Read more »
Five canine-oriented classical tunes for the dog-lovers among us.
By Smorg | Published 10/4/2008 | Read more »
Five cat-friendly classical music pieces
By Smorg | Published 9/29/2008 | Read more »
Yes, you can catch a good opera performance in Singapore. Here's a look at what their only western opera company has been up to.
By Smorg | Published 9/25/2008 | Read more »
Follow up interview with experimental rock guitarist Rene Tornero G.
By Smorg | Published 9/24/2008 | Read more »
If the only operas you can think of are at least 100 yrs old, man, do you need a tune up!
By Smorg | Published 9/22/2008 | Read more »
After all that death and dying, here are some jollier moments from the opera that are dear to me.
By Smorg | Published 9/14/2008 | Read more »
Bloody or gory or just plain old weepy, here are 7 of my favorite death scenes in opera. Bias Alert: Coloratura canaries-lovers beware! I'm inclined toward the lower and more dramatic female voices.
By Smorg | Published 9/12/2008 | Read more »
Review of China Too Chinese Restaurant in Downtown San Diego.
By Smorg | Published 8/27/2008 | Read more »
Review of Neighborhood Grill in East Village part of Downtown San Diego
By Smorg | Published 8/27/2008 | Read more »
Review of The Kebab Shop middle-eastern restaurant near Petco Park in San Diego, CA
By Smorg | Published 8/13/2008 | Read more »
Review of Mondo's Baja Mexican restaurant near Petco Park in San Diego
By Smorg | Published 8/11/2008 | Read more »
An interview with an artistically dynamic local duo of singers/comic writer/crocheter Marc Kane and Lue Lyron while they aren't humming their way around Downtown San Diego, CA.
By Smorg | Published 8/5/2008 | Read more »
If you don't mind compromising some privacy and service quality, there are ways of having an extended stay in downtown San Diego without busting your sight-seeing budget.
By Smorg | Published 7/31/2008 | Read more »
Review of Valentine's Taco Shop in East Village area of Downtown San Diego
By Smorg | Published 7/30/2008 | Read more »
Eating cheaply in Downtown San Diego.
By Smorg | Published 7/25/2008 | Read more »
Pokez Mexican/Vegetarian Restaurant in East Village is a favorite eatery of many local youngsters and the place of mighty scorns for many other locals who actually expected to be 'served' by the serving crew there.
By Smorg | Published 7/23/2008 | Read more »
Review of Nicky Rottens sport bar & burger in Gaslamp Quarters, San Diego, CA
By Smorg | Published 7/20/2008 | Read more »
15 of Smorg's Favorite Classical Tunes from Various Sub-Genres
By Smorg | Published 7/16/2008 | Read more »
Open daily from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., this little "whole pie or by-the-slice" pizza shop on 5th Avenue, just north of Island Street in Gaslamp Quarter, is a favorite of locals for a filling lunch or dinner without going bust on the bill and tips.
By Smorg | Published 7/16/2008 | Read more »
Ciro's Pizza at Market Street and 6th Avenue is perhaps one of the most visible 'hole-in-the-wall' little restaurants in Gaslamp Quarters. It is flanked by the deliciously (if darkish) spooky "The Haunted House" and club "Side Bar."
By Smorg | Published 7/16/2008 | Read more »
Review of Thai Time Restaurant in Downtown San Diego. A good pre-Broadway or opera choice for dinner.
By Smorg | Published 7/13/2008 | Read more »
A brief overview of Tan Dun's opera, Tea: The Mirror of Soul
By Smorg | Published 7/6/2008 | Read more »
My list of 13 active mezzo-soprano anyone who is curious about opera should be familiar with
By Smorg | Published 5/28/2008 | Read more »
A few things to keep in mind when watching an opera on DVD or listening to a live CD recording
By Smorg | Published 5/22/2008 | Read more »
What Smorg got out of having written reviews and essays at Epinions.com since July 2006. A writer isn't born, but cultivated, and Epinionators are some of the best cultivaters of writers on the planet.
By Smorg | Published 5/20/2008 | Read more »
A list and brief overview of 7 most hideous female characters in the world of opera. Thought your next door batty neighbor is witchy? You'll be glad you don't live next door to these operatic sirens!
By Smorg | Published 5/17/2008 | Read more »
A few tips for those thinking of going to watch the US Open at Torrey Pines GC.
By Smorg | Published 5/14/2008 | Read more »
Review of KOI Japanese Restaurant in East Village/Gaslamp Quarters area of Downtown San Diego. Fine food at reasonable price just 3 blocks from Petco Park.
By Smorg | Published 5/12/2008 | Read more »
A look/listen at Vincenzo Bellini's operatic take on the story of Romeo and Juliet... and why Smorg can't have enough of it.
By Smorg | Published 4/30/2008 | Read more »
Just a curious experiment to see how you guys listen to classical singing
By Smorg | Published 4/27/2008 | Read more »
Yes, you've heard these 20 catchy little opera tunes before from various commercials, films, and TV shows. Have a look/listen, then perhaps you might even want to try out the opera they are taken from, too.
By Smorg | Published 4/21/2008 | Read more »
Just a few things I find personally attractive about San Diego. This isn't for tourists, really. Just a pointlessly smorgish musing.
By Smorg | Published 4/16/2008 | Read more »
Sun Cafe is a thriving relic of the 60's diners with cheap but hearty food right in the middle of ritzy Gaslamp restaurants row.
By Smorg | Published 4/15/2008 | Read more »
List of 17 ear-catching classical music numbers you might have heard and wondered about.
By Smorg | Published 3/31/2008 | Read more »
Feelin' the puff from another kind of animal
By Smorg | Published 3/21/2008 | Read more »
Post-opera Rossini is as witty as he ever was. Cecilia Bartoli is a wonderfully engaging virtuoso singer. Their combination as presented on this CD is simply irresistible!
By Smorg | Published 3/19/2008 | Read more »
Smorg's picks of 10 Valentine's Day-worthy romantic songs from the opera. Love, as it is described in music over the ages.
By Smorg | Published 1/18/2008 | Read more »
If you've never listened to an opera before - perhaps because it seems intimidating - but you'd like to, here are a few tips for you.
By Smorg | Published 12/28/2007 | Read more »
An ordinary little chat with an extraordinary guitarist.
By Smorg | Published 12/27/2007 | Read more »
A brief look at Vesselina Kasarova, the Bulgarian mezzo-soprano who can do just about anything but bore you with her acting and singing.
By Smorg | Published 12/21/2007 | Read more »
Classical and bel canto opera for newbies. Experience the technical perfection and naked expressiveness of the singing voice.
By Smorg | Published 12/17/2007 | Read more »
Sultan Shawarma is a little Mediterranean restaurant hiding in Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego, CA. Tasty and affordable, with great location.
By Smorg | Published 12/14/2007 | Read more »
The American opera diva Marilyn Horne is a forceful personality who tells it like it is in this memoir. Sometimes she tells more than I'd care to hear, but the way she tells it makes that forgivable.
By Smorg | Published 12/14/2007 | Read more »
Consistently ranked in the top 6 opera houses in the USA, this quality-oriented company is patron-friendly and gives you real bangs for the buck. Here is some practical info.
By Smorg | Published 12/4/2007 | Read more »
Opera is a very wide music genre, and it is really hard to tell if the pop/rock-loving you would enjoy it or not.
By Smorg | Published 11/26/2007 | Read more »
A good cycling route for the fit cyclists through the hills of southwest Riverside and San Diego Counties in Southern California (about 45 miles)
By Smorg | Published 11/13/2007 | Read more »
Mozart loved the voice and wrote many beautiful and fantastically difficult music to showcase it. Here are 5 I love best.
By Smorg | Published 11/10/2007 | Read more »
7 traveling attractions in and around Downtown San Diego, CA, USA. Hopefully these will entice you here to find out more about the other attractions like Sea World, Mission Bay, Wild Animal Park, etc as well!
By Smorg | Published 10/26/2007 | Read more »
The oak is still beautiful and majestic in real life, though my perception of it changes with circumstances.
By Smorg | Published 10/22/2007 | Read more »
A tribute to the great American mezzo-soprano opera singer Marilyn Horne. She ushered in the current golden age that we shouldn't miss!
By Smorg | Published 10/4/2007 | Read more »
Some fields of knowledge or art genres aren't easily embraced by the uninitiated audience. Crossovers can help reel in new ones who may not be interested otherwise.
By Smorg | Published 9/14/2007 | Read more »
How significant are we in the absence of another?
By Smorg | Published 9/6/2007 | Read more »
10 operatic songs I can't get enough of circa summer 2007.
By Smorg | Published 8/30/2007 | Read more »
Opera is a big music theater genre. Here are a few works with good universal appeals that should make your introduction to the opera a pleasant experience.
By Smorg | Published 7/31/2007 | Read more »
A Few Friendly songs from the opera that even non-opera fans can enjoy
By Smorg | Published 7/25/2007 | Read more »
Living in a nursing home is not pleasant, but we are usually not concerned about that until it is too late for us. Aside from donating blood, visiting lonely nursing home residents is a low investment way of making a good difference in others' life.
By Smorg | Published 7/9/2007 | Read more »
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