San Francisco in 1906

Written by Tom Roberts

Here's a neat video clip that was shared with me. Click on the still and a new window will open in which the film will play.

according to www.flixxy.com/san-francisco-1905-historical-footage.htm.

A film taken from a streetcar traveling down Market Street in San Francisco in 1906, a few days before the earthquake/fire destroyed the area.

This film, originally thought to be from 1905 until David Kiehn with the Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum figured out exactly when it was shot. From New York trade papers announcing the film showing to the wet streets from recent heavy rainfall & shadows indicating time of year & actual weather and conditions on historical record, even when the cars were registered (he even knows who owned them and when the plates were issued!). It was filmed only four days before the quake and shipped by train to NY for processing.

Captain Phil Harris, R.I.P.

Written by Tom Roberts

I am saddening to learn this morning of the death of Captain Phil Harris, of the F/V Cornelia Marie, star of the Discovery Channels’ reality show, Deadliest Catch. Harris passed away February 9, 2010. He was 53.

A commercial fishing veteran of 32 years, and captain of the Cornelia Marie for nearly two decades, Phil Harris suffered a stroke while off-loading his vessel at St. Paul Island, Alaska, on January 29th, and had been in a medically induced coma following emergency surgery.

When first watching the show five seasons ago, it quickly became apparent that Captain Harris knew his business. His dedication to hard work made his vessel one of the most productive and profitable for his crew, and his no nonsense approach kept his deckhands safe. Described in obituaries today as gruff, surly and acerbic, underneath these outward appearances I interpreted genuine care and concern for the safety of those put in his charge.

“This is the real deal—and people really die,” said Harris in a clip for Deadliest Catch, and he well knew the fine line the Bering Sea exacts between living or dying. Perhaps this fine line is what has made the series such a success. No behind the scenes manipulation is required to make this reality show fascinating. The back-breaking labors of the crews, their personalities, and the occasional moments of raw fear of Mother Nature captured by the cameras allow you a glimpse into a life so foreign to all those that sit at desks and computers, drawing boards and easels.

I extended my condolences to Jake and Josh Harris, the entire Harris family, the crew of the F/V Cornelia Marie, along with sympathy to the crews of F/V Northwestern, F/V Wizard, F/V Time Bandit, and the other vessels and crews that fished beside Phil; and thoughts to all those who worked the decks for Phil Harris, and were returned to port safely by his knowledge and vigilance.

Rest in peace, Captain Harris.

Phil Harris (1957-2010)

San Francisco in 1906

Captain Phil Harris, R.I.P.

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