(While waiting at the SF airport for a flight to Oregon.)

3 really good places to eat:

-Cookshop, 156 10th Ave (at 26th St.)

-Rosie’s (Mexican), 29 E. 2nd

-Saigon Shack, 114 Macdougal

Great brewpub: Cooper’s 8th Ave. between 18th and 19th

On Monday night I was at W. 4th and W. 11th and it was surprisingly quiet.

“Cheers” in Irish is “”Slainte,” pronounced “schlancha.”

China had a huge presence at Book Expo America. Over 500 people, and their extensive stand seemed to take up 20% of all the space in the hall. They had ongoing, well-attended author appearances.

Good, inexpensive classical Chinese massage, China Tai Ji, 57 W. 8th St, betw. 5th & 6th Aves. Great way to loosen up after a flight.

Citymapper is a free phone app for NYC (and other select cities). You punch in where you want to go, and it gives you directions for walking or public transport, as well as Uber rates. For subways, iTrans NYC is good and costs a few dollars.

Eric Leemon, a TV producer living in the West Village says that NewYorkers are friendly and I agree. Spaces in restaurants and bars are so tight that you sit very close to others and it’s easy to get into conversations. Everyone is helpful if you need directions. Good vibes my whole week there.

The East River Ferry is a great way to get to Williamsburg, Greenpoint, and other neighborhoods in Brooklyn. Terminal at East 34th Street on the river. Sure beats the subway on a hot day.

One bartender to another at Cookshop: “I mean, he was off. I don’t know what he was on to be so off.”

When I get to Portland, first stop will be Stumptown Roastery, then Mt. Tabor to skate. Then I’ll head out to the coast.

“Skateistan, an innovative NGO in Kabul founded to empower Afghan children (and especially young girls), teaches children to skateboard as a gateway to get them more involved in education. In a tribute to these children’s struggles, UK-based photographer Jessica Fulford-Dobson created a photo series portraying the girls learning to skateboard at the NGO’s branch in Kabul (it has since spread to Cambodia and South Africa).

In many Afghan communities, it is customary to forbid women from riding bicycles. Skateboarding, then, becomes an empowering activity that gives these girls a source of physical exercise, empowerment, and some plain and simple fun.”

Sent in by Anonymous

https://www.boredpanda.com/skateistan-skateboarding-girls-afghanistan-jessica-fulford-dobson/

In Victoria, BC. It’s the only one I’ve seen that I feel I could skate, but never have have a board when there. Anyone know of ones like this in NorCal?

Driving north along the California coast, heading north from Mendocino, Hwy. 1 crosses the mountains  north of Ft. Bragg (a way more real town than Mendocino) to join up with Hwy. 101. After you climb to the ridge top, there’s maybe a 5-mile winding downhill until you get to the south fork of the Eel River. Looks like it would be great for experienced downhillers. Too steep for me, but for you guys who can slide and maneuver, it’s a long downhill ride. How about full moon, 3 AM when traffic is scarce? Full safety gear including bright headlight and flashing red tail lights…

   Once you hit the Eel, it’s a few miles to Smithe Redwoods State Reservation, which has:

-Big deep swimming hole

-Old growth redwoods that are truly holy

.

Fun! Tons of kids (There’s a “Lost Children” booth. I did one presentation on Tiny Homes on the Move yesterday, doing another at 3:30 today on Center Stage…Kevin Kelly talked to a packed crowd about his book Cool Tools yesterday…Two pics at Faire: flame-spouting monster (consumes a lotta propane), motorized skateboard, The Boosted, cost, ulp, $2K…I’m staying at a motel in Millbrae, found great breakfast place this morning across the street, Millbrae Pancake House…Will try to post more pics…some time…