February 19th, 2010

Canopying the SF Skyscrapers

Privately-Owned Public Open Spaces

Seeking out a downtown lunch spot so undiscovered that even the pigeons don’t know about it?

Nestled in the urban forest of skyscrapers are courtyards, plazas, sun terraces, greenhouses, public sitting areas, rooftop gardens, and corporate atriums. Unfortunately, many of these hidden gems were just that… hidden. Fortunately, SPUR quietly released a pdf guide revealing 68 privately-owned public open spaces (“POPOS”). Invite a couple colleagues and embark on an adventure. Experience the thrill of urban life while taking a moment to appreciate the generosity and tolerance of our local enterprises.

One other little-known POPOS not included in the report is the Sky Terrace. Located at 835 Market Street above the Westfield Shopping Centre, the Sky Terrace provides a distinctive panorama from the ninth-floor roof deck. A tip of my hat to John King for originally sharing this secret, although I might quibble with the description that the “security guard is happy to help.” What better place to celebrate the imminent arrival of Spring?

Now you can leave Justin Herman Plaza to the birds.

The Details:
   San Francisco POPOS
   The 8-page Report (download the pdf file)
   Weekdays 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

You deserve a laugh, click on the Nugget! (video)

Kindle Covers by bobarra

Receive free shipping when you mention "Mister Archer" in the comments for your purchase! Note: Discount will be applied at the time of payment processing.

They say you can't judge a book by its cover... but that was long before there was the magical Kindle 2 which absolutely requires a cover for safety and style.

The Kindle 2 might not have come into this world naked... but pretty darn close. Amazon's prepackaged cover would've been great for a hotel pad of paper and a pen. But job numero uno for a cover is safety. (safety never takes a holiday.) So for a $300+ device, I require a durable cover that will protect my Kindle if I accidentally gravity test it.

The Bobarra Thoreau cover has 4 elastic bands securely latching my Kindle into the cover. Thoreau once said that “books are the carriers of civilization.” But when civilization needs to carry their book, they don't want to be worried about dropping them. For someone who is always running around, I sincerely appreciate the safety of the Thoreau.

But I'm not one to compromise on style. I love the sleek brown leather with fastidious stitching around the edges... professional and cool—I've gotten a few inquiries about where I purchased this cover while riding the bus around town.

Overall, I am very happy with my Kindle 2 and love my Thoreau cover.