2209, 2011

San Francisco (Golden Gate Bridge)

San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge is instantly recognizable and a symbol of the entire city. Almost as famous (and seen in the foreground of this video) is the frequent ocean fog that blankets the city and the bridge. San Francisco Bay’s fog is one of the reasons for the bright red/orange color of the bridge, formally called “International Orange.” The distinctive color is more apparent to passing boats and ships and also complements the surrounding landscape. The bridge and other San Francisco landmarks can be seen from Pier 39, a popular destination for dining, shopping, and entertainment. The 300-berth Pier 39 Marina serves boaters of all kinds, and offers relaxing boat tours of the bay. Nestor

1909, 2011

Port of Los Angeles

Shipwatching, World Cities & Harbors
413

The port of Los Angeles began as a small port used by Spanish traders. Over the centuries, it has developed into what is now the largest shipping port in the United States. This eScapes video features an APL shipping vessel making its way out to sea, loaded with containers. Freighters like this are a common sight in the port, but it also serves recreational boaters and is one of the largest cruise ship ports in the country, providing homeport to Carnival, Disney, Princess, and Norwegian cruise lines. Andy Snitzer is a jazz saxophonist who has toured with many popular artists including the Rolling Stones and Paul Simon. Also an accomplished producer, his solo work blends a

1209, 2011

St. Anthony Falls, Minneapolis

American Cities
373

One of the only waterfalls on the Mississippi River, St. Anthony Falls offers more than a scenic outlook and relaxing ambience. The entire city of Minneapolis was built around the power of the falls, both literally and figuratively. Early entrepreneurs used the falls to power saw and flour mills, which attracted more settlers and led to the creation of the city. At the turn of the century, Minneapolis led the United States in flour production. By the mid-20th century, however, the flour boom was over and Minneapolis’ position had been lost as new power sources and transportation methods developed and Western crops suffered. Today, a hydroelectric plant still draws power from the falls, but the mills

<i>Arthur M. Anderson</i> (Duluth-Superior Harbor)

0709, 2011

Arthur M. Anderson (Duluth-Superior Harbor)

Shipwatching
368

The steamship Arthur M. Anderson was built in Lorain, Ohio in 1952, alongside the Philip R. Clarke and Cason J. Callaway freighters. The Arthur M. Anderson has a unique place in Great Lakes shipping history: it is the last ship to have been in contact with the Edmund Fitzgerald before it sank in Lake Superior in 1975, and later braved the deadly weather to search for survivors from the doomed freighter. In this eScapes scene, the Anderson leaves Duluth-Superior Harbor at the southwestern tip of Lake Superior. Bahman Anvari is an instrumentalist. His first commercially available single, “Monir,” is featured in this episode and features Radean Anvari on guitar and arrangements by Elton Farokh Ahi. Links

0309, 2011

Beaver Bay Falls, Minnesota

Scenic Earth
349

Most of the impressive waterfalls in the United States are well-documented and well-traveled. Many are located in parks and some even have a infrastructure or nearby tourism economy to accommodate sightseeing. The falls of the Beaver River in Minnesota is not one of these falls. Right next to the city of Beaver Bay– population 181– these falls flow under Minnesota Highway 61 and empty into Lake Superior. If not for the relative isolation of Lake Superior’s North Shore, it’s hard to imagine these beautiful and dramatic falls wouldn’t be more famous. Gregg Karukas is a contemporary jazz keyboardist. After launching his solo career in the 1980s, Karukas formed a band that featured Dave Koz and Boney

2608, 2011

Multnomah Falls (Portland, Oregon)

Scenic Earth
351

Portland, Oregon is known for being a “green city” and indeed is full of beautiful natural places. Many of these are woven into the cityscape, but more breathtaking sights can only be found past the outskirts. In this video, eScapes takes you to the amazing Multnomah Falls. One of the most dramatic and beautiful waterfalls in the United States, Multnomah Falls is 611 feet tall and, notably, does not dry up during the summer. Nearby paths provide visitors with views of the falls from various altitudes. Sightseers looking for a dramatic way to experience the falls might enjoy a walk over the misty Benson Bridge, as those seeking a more relaxing time watch the water from

1508, 2011

Warsaw, Poland

World Cities & Harbors
384

Situated between Germany and Russia, Poland saw more than its share of turmoil and warfare during the 20th century. Warsaw– Poland’s capital and largest city– was especially stricken. During World War II, the German army methodically demolished about 85% of the city in retaliation for a strong-willed resistance to Nazi occupation. After the war, the people of Poland rebuilt Warsaw, even recreating its historic buildings. Warsaw is now experiencing unprecedented economic prosperity. This eScapes scene highlights the city’s nightlife. A prominent landmark featured in this video is the curved Złote Tarasy– a shopping center, entertainment venue, and office building. The high view of the city is taken from the Warsaw Palace of Culture and Science, a

0708, 2011

Coquille River Lighthouse

Lighthouses
332

The Coquille River Light was first lit in 1896 to aid the transportation of goods and people to and from the mouth of the Coquille River. Simple, small, and inexpensive, the lighthouse was for many years the smallest on the Oregon coast. The tower, measuring 47 feet from its base, was equipped with a fourth order fresnel lens visible for up to 12 miles. In 1939, the original light was replaced with an automated beacon. Today, Coquille River Lighthouse is a part of Oregon’s Bullards Beach State Park. The state has maintained, repaired, and restored the lighthouse over the years and, true to Oregon’s status as one of the most environmentally-friendly states, the Coquille River tower

3007, 2011

Galveston Shipwatching

Shipwatching
361

Galveston Island has always had a great connection to the sea. First settled with Europeans in 1817– by Jean Lafitte, a pirate– Galveston quickly became an important port city. The largest city in Texas, it was the busiest port west of New Orleans and a quickly growing cultural capital. Unfortunately, wealth and activity were not the only things the sea brought to Galveston. In 1900, it was hit by “The Great Storm,” a hurricane that to this day is the most deadly natural disaster in American history. One third of the city was destroyed and shortly afterwards, its role as a major port was taken over by Houston. Today, Galveston has rebounded and refreshed itself with

2007, 2011

Oppenheimer Beach

Tropical Beaches
399

This relaxing beach on St. John in the United States Virgin Islands gets its name from J. Robert Oppenheimer, the physicist and researcher best known as the “father of the atomic bomb.” In the 1950s, Oppenheimer and his wife purchased a house above this beach, which was then known as Hawksnest. In 1967, Oppenheimer died and his ashes were placed in the water off of the beach. Years later, the beach was willed to the people of St. John by Oppenheimer’s daughter, Toni. The government has since managed and developed the site and decided to name it after the Oppenheimer family. Acoustic Alchemy is a smooth jazz group from London. Originally a duo of acoustic guitarists,