Inside National Geographic Headquarters...

Ever wondered what it was like inside the headquarters of National Geographic?

Thanks to Kim Mance from Galavanting TV you no longer have to wonder. She did a surprise inspection of the facility with National Geographic Traveler magazine's chief researcher, Marilyn Terrell.

Navy Pier - the most visited Chicago attraction - in Time Out Chicago magazine

Navy Pier in Time Out Chicago Magazine:

Pier survival secrets

For a quick snack, hit up Completely Nuts, the nut cart just past the food court, and grab some sweet, crunchy candied almonds ($3.50 for a snack pack).

To escape the hustle and bustle by heading to the east end of the pier, where the crowds dwindle, and ample benches and chairs make soaking up the views a breeze.

Head to Haagen Dazs for the cheapest beer on the pier: Domestic drafts are just $2.75.

A savvy parking strategy, is to park in the expansive east lot, which is usually wide open ($20–$24).

15 fantastical fixes for Navy Pier - one by one

Pier review: How the historic pier morphed into a crowded, overpriced mess.

Annual attendance peaked at 9 million in 2000, and has been around 8 million in recent years. Navy Pier is easily the most visited Chicago attraction.

Posted at Hit the Road - See America and the World. Stay updated and subscribe, or follow me on Twitter.

Random Photo: Ray Manzarek!!

Celebrating the year 2000! My friend Matthew Jackson and I pose with Ray Manzarek of the Doors (in background), who had just told a group of reasonable people that he couldn't believe Oscar-winning director Oliver Stone had been picked over him, a failed undergraduate arts student from the '60s, to direct the film 'The Doors.'

Charlotte Rush-Bailey: Sufis of Gujarat

Photo © Charlotte Rush-Bailey-All Rights Reserved

Photo © Charlotte Rush-Bailey-All Rights Reserved

Photo © Charlotte Rush-Bailey-All Rights Reserved

A second-time participant in my photo-expeditions (Tribes of Rajasthan & Gujarat, and in my just completed In Search of Sufis of Gujarat), Charlotte Rush-Bailey is a photographer who migrated to the world of photography from a corporate career that covered three decades of marketing and communications positions in a variety of global industries including energy, financial services, media, conservation, technology and professional services. This gave her opportunities to work with people all over the world, and to learn to appreciate cultural nuances and the influences of socio-political forces.

She's the third participant to send me samples of her work during the photo`expedition. The top photograph was made at a the dargah of Gayaban Shah Pir, a Sufi saint buried in Rajkot. It's of pilgrims/devotees at the shrine who, since they are women, cannot enter the actual tomb of the saint.

The middle photograph is of a mujjawir and a woman pilgrim at the dargah of the Sufi saint Hazrat Saydi Ali Mira Datar. The mujjawirs claim to be direct descendants of the saint, and therefore make it a business to bless the thousands of devotees who come to the shrine on a weekly bases.

The lower photograph is of a Jain pilgrim at the holiest Jain temple in Palitana. Charlotte knows of my preference for horizontals, but included this one amongst the rest of her submissions, expecting that I wouldn't choose it for the blog. I've proven her wrong. It's a lovely photograph.

Charlotte published two books 'Soul Survivors', a tribute to the people of the Sahel and Kutch Classic, a collection of photographs of her first foray in the Gujarati Kutch area.

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Foundry Photojournalism Workshop: 2011 Scholarships

The Foundry Photojournalism Workshop, which is scheduled for July 17-23, 2011 in Buenos Aires, Argentina has just announced the winners of this year's scholarships.

The Ricoh Scholarships for Latin American Photographers:


Miguel Andrade (Mexico),  Lucia Baragli (Argentina), Juan Barrero (Colombia), Ivan Gonzales (Venezuela),  Sofia Lopez (Argentina), Romina Hendlin (Venezuela), Omar Lucas (Peru), Cristobal Olivares (Chile),  Leonardo Ramirez (Venezuela), Santiago Serrano (Ecuador).

Full Tuition Scholarships Provided by The Foundry Photojournalism Workshop:

Julio Aracil (Spain),  Willeke Machiels (Netherlands), Mae Ryan (USA/Canada).

Congratulations to the winners!

See you in Buenos Aires!

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New Tascam DR-05 Digital Audio Recorder

Good news for budget-minded multimedia photographers! Tascam has released the DR-05 portable audio recorder for $99.99, and is aiming straight at the comparable Zoom H1. It records WAV or MP3 files at rates up to 24-bit/96kHz to microSD or microSDHC cards, and has integrated microphones and speaker. It's powered by two AA batteries or an optional AC adapter. It sports a threaded 1/4 x 20 mount for convenient tripod mounting.

The Tascam DR-05 can be seen on and ordered from B&H Photo-Video (which offers free shipping on this product).

More details of this new entrant in the budget handheld audio recorders can be found on its manufacturer's website.

While I'm still happy with my Marantz PMD620, I am on the lookout for a replacement that's smaller, lighter and that would take less space.

I should also note that there were some reports that the Zoom H1 had battery longevity issues.

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Colors of The Moment

I've been having fun with yellow nail polish. It's really a surprise that it goes well with many spring outfits, and it works as a neutral color for me. It's a perfect color for spring that you can have fun with.

You obviously see how much I adore my yellow Celine bag. It's like bringing a little sunshine into my wardrobe this spring. Yellow symbolizes wisdom. It's intellectual energy is like a bright sunny day. And yes! It bring us a feeling of cheer, optimism, and fulfillment.

I also enjoy wearing these Prada sunglasses. They're funky, fun, and trendy. Following trends in moderation is fun. It makes me feel stylish and up-to-date.

Bringing the pop colors into your outfits this spring is bold and a must have. Color on color is so exciting. Wishing everyone a joyful, delightful, and lovely spring!!!xo...Hanh :)

Wearing: Celine jacket, Balenciaga liquid knit top, Giuseppe Zanotti strappy leather buckle shoes.

ps: Helping unfortunate people -down the street, across the country, and around the world...That was what my parents taught me when I was little. Yes, I'm sure that we make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give. Thanks for life and Giving back..."At least we've done our best." I agree with Oprah " I don't think you ever stop giving. I really don't. I think it's an on-going process." Because of Japan earthquake and Pacific Tsunami, I take this chance and I just added a Donation Web Pages on my blog. So you can click and make a donation anytime from here. Our little donation will change the world!!