Pillow Fight in San Francisco
Monday, February 16th, 2009
I love San Francisco…
California Academy of Science – Superb!
Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008
Today, I had a wonderful experience at California Academy of Science’s new pre-opening event. I’m so much in love with this city (and inner Richmond) again.
California Academy of Science consists of Acquarium, Planetarium, and exhibition of many interesting creatures such as aligators and penguins. Today, Planetarium was still not open. But I am very interested in going back there again to see it. They also have an educational space for people to make a research. They are going to open for public for free on their grand-opening day, which is September 27th Saturday. So, don’t miss it!!
For more information -> California Academy of Science Homepage
First time I heard they are making acquarium in Golden Gate Park, my cynical side thought “another waste of money…first of all, what kind of acquarium can they make in a middle of park?” Well, they made one of the best acquarium I’ve ever been in my life!!! While I was in the building, I completely forgot that I was in Golden Gate Park.
One of the factors contributing to the success of this museum is that it takes you to the great scientistic world. There are so many undiscovered things in this world. And people romanticize them, and try to find out. I think that’s what is science is all about. Even though I am not the “scientist type,” and certainly all the science classes (physics, chemistry, biology) weren’t my favorites, I felt like I became a kid again, who is wondering and excited about all the mysteries in this world.
Here’s alittle preview for you.
There are many many kinds of creatures from ancient period.
You also can have a view of the fish tank from the bottom, which is very cool and surrealistic view. It looks like fishes are flying in the sky.
I’ve been a huge fan of acquarium. I can spend hours and hours just looking at fish. But I think in this acquarium, anybody can spend hours.
For more pictures↓
What’s Your Neighborhood’s Walk Score – Walkscore.com
Thursday, August 7th, 2008
Even though I’ve been more like a public transit rider than a city walker, walkability is still the important factor when I decide a place to live. This website, Walkscore.com tells you the walkability score of your neighborhoods by just inserting the address you want to search. The degree of walkability, “walkscore” is measured in the scale of 100. The higher the number you get, the more walkability in the neighborhood. However, some flaws in Walkscore.com is that the “quality” of the neighborhood isn’t into consideration. Walkscore primary depends on ”quantity;” how many stores, parks, restaurants, in the neighborhood. Apparently, 24 hours grocery stores are preffered to stores that close at 7pm.
Also, Walkscore.com provides ranking of cities in the United States in terms of walkability. Thankfully San Francisco has been ranked in the highest. However, although I believe that San Francisco has been one of the most walkable cities in naiton, I am highly suspicious about the result. San Francisco’s public transportation system, Muni has been said the worst metropolitan transit system in the United States. Some parts between in the neighborhoods are actually very far or dangerous to walk by yourself. Compared to New York and other cities, steep hills in San Francisco force you to wear walking shoes and sneakers unless you drive a car.
If they put these quality issues into consideration, I think this website would be very useful. I love the idea of walkable city. And I would like them to keep on promoting that. It may possibly lower the crime rate, improve public transit (=less car dependency), and solve obesidy.
Find out your neighborhood’s walk score.
