This is a picture of the Port of Oakland shipping container cranes at one of the berths. It was taken from a Ferry on the Ports Free Harbor Tours. As you have probably heard George Lucas got his idea for the AT-AT Walkers (All Terrain Armored Transport) from the Port of Oakland Cranes while flying into the Bay Area’s Oakland International Airport (OAK)at one time. Can it be confirmed? Who knows the truth. I think it is highly possible because he does live here in the North Bay. However he claims recently that this is NOT the case. George Lucas says he did not get his AT AT Walker idea from the Port Cranes. Is this true? Would he give the Shipping Container Cranes credit for his Walkers? Or would he say it is obviously an unique idea created purely by my own imagination?
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Archive for the ‘history’ Category
Star Wars AT-AT Walkers? Port of Oakland Cranes?
Friday, July 4th, 2008
The Historical Oakland Tribune Building Clock Tower
Saturday, July 5th, 2008
First of all I love this building, it has always been my favorite and will always be.
The Oakland Tribune Clock Tower is a famous Oakland Landmark. It was declared a landmark on May 4, 1976 after about 70 years of life. The Tower was actually built in two stages. The six floors of base were completed in 1907 and the clock tower section was finished in 1923.
In recent years the Tower was damaged in the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake. Because the building was not occupied the Oakland Tribune Newspaper had to relocate. The Tower remained empty until 1995 and was bought and renovated. Ten years later in 1999 the great Tower was reopened. To this date it is occupied with condos and businesses. My company is actually locate din the Tower as well.
The Tower is a part of Oakland and will always be. It was recently sold for about $15 million dollars so I don’t think it will be going anywhere anytime soon.
The Oakland Landmark debate
Saturday, August 22nd, 2009
Loading ...What landmark do you think most defines Oakland?
What one is greatest to you? I’m honestly not sure but do have a few favorites. I wanna hear your opionons.
Leave some comments if you have others I forgot that should be mentioned.
Transamerica Pyramid Tallest Building in San Francisco
Sunday, July 13th, 2008
The Transamerica Pyramid is to date the tallest building in San Francisco. It stands 48 stories tall at 853 feet. It is located at 600 Montgomery Street and was completed in 1972.
Tallest Building in Oakland, The Ordway Building
Thursday, July 10th, 2008
The Ordway building is the tallest building in Oakland and tallest building in the Bay Area outside of San Francisco. It is 28 floors high and was built in 1970. The Architecture for this building was Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. It will remain the tallest building for a while, other buildings are in the works but have yet to gain approval. There is a group of cry babies complaining about Oakland having tall buildings. Oakland is awesome, let it reach for the sky.
San Francisco Ferry Building picture and history
Monday, July 14th, 2008
The San Francisco Ferry Building was completed in 1898. That means it survived the 1906 Earthquake and the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. It is a long standing historic landmark in the San Francisco Bay Area. At one point it was the main form of transportation in and out of the Peninsula. This was the days before cars and before the Golden Gate bridge or Bay Bridge had been completed. It had about 50,000 passengers a day! That was the 2nd busiest terminal in the world at the time!
In 2004 the Ferry Building reopened as the well known San Francisco Gourmet Market and home of the Farmers Market.
Port of Oakland Free Harbor Tours
Wednesday, July 9th, 2008
The Port of Oakland is offering FREE Harbor Tours this season for all of you Oakland History buffs. I have personally gone on this tour twice and would like to say that Pamela and Laura are great tour guides. You take a nice slow cruise through the Ports Harbor viewing all of the ships and cranes! It’s pretty amazing and you get to hear a lot of facts and history you just may have never learned otherwise. It is also a GREAT chance to take pictures of the cranes as well! Be sure to visit the Port of Oakland’s official website to sign up today! Hurry before it’s too late! And who knows, you may even see me on board taking pictures.
*UPDATE* As many of you know they are NOT doing the Tour this year(2009). Sad but true.
Oakland Big Tree Registry
Monday, August 18th, 2008Well this makes perfect sense. I guess the cities largest / oldest Oak Tree was unattended in Dimond Park and was lost due to disease back in 2005.
So now they are asking people to report old trees and such so that they may be watched after and maintained so we don’t lose any more of these ancient Oakland Residents.
To find out more info.
Movie, Pizza AND Beer? Yes! In Oakland @ The Parkway Theater (CLOSED)
Friday, July 18th, 2008Update:
I am very sad to inform you that the Parkway has infact closed. It was a great local place and a landmark. I do not know what they are going to do with the building but it still sands with the green parkway light on. What a slap in the face to those of us who liked to go there! Turn the light off already lol.
Have you ever been in a movie theater and just been all, damn I want a beer right now! And what is this popcorn shit? Can I get some friggen pizza up in this bitch!!!
Well you can do all that and more at the Parkway Speakeasy Theater on Park Blvd in Oakland! Oh and what’s this? They have couches to boot! But you have to get there pretty early for that luxury. Another bonus is if you go on a Wednesday it’s 2 for 1! Meaning only $7(unless they raised it again)
