Hi, all, I haven't been down there yet, but in case you're familiar with San Francisco's Wharf/Ghiradelli Square district: The Cannery has burned down. I'm going to try to get down there today if I can -- my hands and feet aren't cooperating today, but I'm stubborn, and I'll make it down there before dark today. Sad, sad. Hope the rest of the area is okay -- I know it's touristy, but I still go there a lot to enjoy the view -- especially of Alcatraz from G. Square. And I do so love the chocolate there!
Also, we were just discussing Sigourney Weaver the other day -- her dad died last night. Sylvester "Pat" Weaver was a pioneer in TV -- involved with NBC's Today show from its inception, and was head or President of NBC until her retired. I think they said he was 93. And in a separate note to Mike Pritchard, I noted that there was brief mention of riot after an international economic meeting in Barcelona. Hope he, and most of that beautiful City, are in one piece -- and *at* peace. On a lighter note: Had a pleasant moment on a city bus the other day. It was dusk, late rush hour Friday evening, and the bus I was on was crushed to the frafters already, when a large group of kids, aged 13 to 15, got on. They were Arabic speaking, and whether by design or coincidence, all dressed the same (dark grey or black sweats, hooded jackets). The thought must have crossed several peoples' minds (as it would any city-dweller's mind): gang? Several of the other middle-aged people (besides me) were shooting nervous glances at each other. Well, I speak all of about 12 words of Arabic, but I did chuckle when one of the kids called to another, addressing him as "toothpick" -- in English (that had frequently been my nickname as a kid). The kid looked at me, decided to smile back, and then asked me if i could tell him where the Kabuki Cinema was. I swear, you could feel the whole bus relax. I gave the kids directions, we chatted about what movie they were going to see (it was between The Time Machine and that Eddie Murphy-De Niro cop farce -- they decided on the latter), and when their stop came, I called out for the guys going to the Kabuki to get off (they were somewhat spread out throughout the bus). They did, and as the last kid was getting off, I told him to cross the street, and there it would be. Several of the kids waved at me from the street as the bus pulled away. Happy and peaceful St. Patrick's Day to all, Walt
