Interesting. Although, I don't like it for the same reason I don't like the Pair app.
I think communication between loved ones should be more personal. I don't think these types of relationships should be encouraged.
You should be calling your mother more. You should be taking the time out of your day to send a personal email or letter if they aren't technically savvy.
I get it, it's easy. Few taps on your iPhone and a postcard is on the way to your Mom.
I just think that life is too short to subject a relationship as important as the one you have with your parents to a mobile app. Can you imagine:
"Hi Mom it's Kelsey, here's a picture of me and my new dog, Snookums!"
-This message delivered to you with no effort at all by HiMom, the mobile app for terrible sons/daughters
Just call your parents. They love you and miss you.
I am glad you had a positive experience with The Tenderloin. I had quite the opposite experience: I was nearly attacked.
He was spouting off stuff like "Stupid Americans!" and saying he was not afraid to get sued and that he would just return to his home country. Needless to say, I was pretty terrified. This dude was scary, and my friend (SF local) warned me about The Tenderloin.
Anyhow, I think it's great that you met such a positive and interesting character in one of the most unlikely places.