All posts by bgillespie

Arches

Arches

The coast live oak is a species of evergreen native to the central and southern coast of California. These craggy mossy giants are found plentifully in the hills east of the U.C. Berkeley campus, especially along the Berkeley Fire Trail. This is the road leading up along the UCB stadium, on the cool afternoon of December 5th.

Ivory Tower

Ivory Tower

The UC Berkeley Campanile is a landmark that is frequently photographed by visitors to the East Bay, but today the tower seemed looming, perhaps even menacing against the turbulent sky. There is a lot of debate today about the future of higher education; perhaps this image says something about it.

The Berkeley Pier

The Berkeley Pier

Following University Avenue beyond the highway overpass leads to a peculiar remnant of history. The Berkeley Municipal Pier was originally constructed in 1926 for freight, and extended 3.5 miles into the bay. After more economical transportation was concocted, the pier was converted to recreational use, and largely left to decay. Now only the first half mile of the pier is maintained, and the remainder serves as a reminder of the past, and a sanctuary for sea-faring birds.

When Machines Rule

When Machines Rule

Walking around the downtown, it is striking how much our machines and technology influence, even control our experience. The flow of traffic through the streets turns our cities into a massive system of hydraulics; people are caught in the flow, trying not to get crushed. How long will it be before we can’t go far enough to escape the machines?

Urban Ducks

Urban Ducks

A surprising variety of wildlife can thrive even in the peculiarly unnatural environment of urban sprawl — deer, raccoons, mountain lions and so much more. On November 28th, I happened upon urban ducks.