0410, 2011

Red Hook, St. Thomas

Tropical Beaches
589

Red Hook, on the east end of Saint Thomas, is an area known for its seaside shopping, dining, and its vibrant yacht harbor. As long as the weather permits landing in the harbor, boaters can find a full-service marina, a diving center, and a large new ferry terminal. Ken Navarro is an award-winning contemporary jazz guitarist. His impressive discography of nineteen top charting albums showcases his appeal to a wide range of listeners with inspiring compositions and superb guitar performances. Links U.S. Virgin Islands Official Tourism Site Wikipedia article: Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands Ken Navarro Official Site

1309, 2011

Cathedral of Arequipa, Peru

World Cities & Harbors
441

The Cathedral of Arequipa, Peru illustrates the natural setting of Peru along the world’s “Ring of Fire,” the belt around the Pacific Ocean known for its high frequency of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. Peru, affected by the Nazca Plate under the Pacific Ocean subjecting beneath the South American plate, lies in an active volcanic zone and experiences frequent earthquakes. This beautiful cathedral was first built in 1540, from sillar, a white volcanic rock common in the area. However, in 1583, it was completely destroyed by an earthquake. The cathedral was rebuilt by 1600 only to be completely destroyed by 1604 by both an earthquake and a volcanic eruption. Since its second rebuilding in 1656, the church

2908, 2011

Tulsa, Oklahoma

American Cities
435

Tusla– Oklahoma’s second-largest city– has long been a hub on the oil industry, but is now transitioning to a service-based economy with an emphasis on culture. This eScapes tour of Tulsa begins with a relaxing view of the clouds drifting over the University of Tulsa’s Bayless Plaza. Bayless Plaza, a landscaped gathering place in the middle of the university campus, houses the historic Kendall Bell, traditionally rung by graduating students at the completion of their final exams. Gota (full name Gota Yashiki) is a jazz and pop percussionist, vocalist, and producer. Before his solo debut, he worked with artists including Seal and Sinead O’Connor. Today, Gota still collaborates with other artists often, but is an accomplished

2708, 2011

Algorail at Port of Milwaukee

Shipwatching
432

The self-unloading freighter Algorail has served the Algoma Central Corporation on the Great Lakes since its construction in 1968, and is managed by its partner, Seaway Marine Transport. This is the second vessel to bear the Algorail name. The first, known as William S. Mack before Algoma purchased it, was scrapped in 1963. In this video, the current Algorail departs the Port of Milwaukee, past the Milwaukee Breakwater Light in Lake Michigan. Peter White is an English smooth jazz guitarist who played with several artists, including a 20-year span as accompanist and writer for Al Stewart, before launching a solo career in 1990. With several Top 10 jazz albums under his belt, White is a frequent

2508, 2011

Istanbul, Turkey

World Cities & Harbors
452

Built around the Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul uniquely sits on two continents– Europe and Asia. This location, at the nexus of various cultures and trade routes, has had a great impact on the city’s history. Originally a Greek city, it was conquered by the Romans, who sought to make a “new Rome” on its desirable location. It was then conquered by the Ottoman Empire, who held it until the end of World War I. Today, Istanbul is the largest city in the independent republic of Turkey, but its frequent changes in ownership have made a lasting impression on its architecture. For example, the prominent Hagia Sophia– once the largest cathedral in the world– was built as an

1808, 2011

Black River, Wisconsin

Scenic Earth
441

Wisconsin’s Black River begins at the Minnesota border and winds through northwestern corner of the state, joining with the Nemadji River and entering Lake Superior. The scenery of the Black River is at its best as it passes through Pattison State Park, thirteen miles south of the city of Superior. The river’s tranquility is eventually broken by the dramatic Big Manitou Falls– Wisconsin’s tallest waterfall– farther downstream. The Black River gets its name from the dark color of the water. This “root beer” color comes from decomposing organic matter from the forest. A similar phenomenon can be seen at Michigan’s famous Tahquamenon Falls. Cindy Bradley is an award-winning jazz trumpeter. She has toured the world as

0508, 2011

Washington, D.C. Cherry Blossoms

Just as cherry trees feature in the traditional stories of George Washington, they have become a tradition in the capital that bears his name. In 1912, the mayor of Tokyo gifted 3,000 flowering cherry trees to the city of Washington, D.C. Since then, periodic gifts of trees between Japan and the United States have been symbolic of goodwill between the two countries. Every spring, the blooming Yoshino cherry blossoms perfectly frame the monuments near Washington’s Tidal Basin with their distinctive white and pink petals. The occasion is complemented by celebrations, special events, and thousands of visitors looking to enjoy the ambience in their own way. In 2012, the National Cherry Blossom Festival will be observing the

0308, 2011

Sapphire Beach, St. Thomas

Tropical Beaches
485

Sapphire Beach on St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands is one of the island’s lesser-known beaches and as a result is often free of the larger crowds sometimes found at more popular sites. Lines of palm trees provide a perfect frame for the ocean view and, just off the shore, rock formations add character to the sapphire-blue water. The relatively low number of visitors makes this beach a great spot for quiet relaxation, but snorkeling and recreational boating are also popular activities. Chris Standring is a jazz guitarist who has distinguished himself in the contemporary jazz realm with adventurous, lyrical compositions leavened with pure-pop perfection, dazzling guitar solos and thick beats. Though predominately influenced by

2907, 2011

Chicago at Night

The skyline of Chicago is one of the most distinctive in the world and it’s especially beautiful when seen from the city’s Northerly Island peninsula. This vantage point provides an unbroken panorama of the cityscape. As always, the John Hancock Center and Willis Tower (best known by its former name, the Sears Tower) are standout landmarks. The round Shedd Aquarium can be also be seen in the foreground. The most-visited cultural attraction in Chicago, the Aquarium needed 160 rail car trips to carry a million gallons of salt water from Key West for its opening in 1930. Another brilliant vista of the city featured in this video is the cityscape from Navy Pier. The carnival-like atmosphere

2707, 2011

Santa María del Mar, Peru

Tropical Beaches
424

The Santa María del Mar district of Peru is well known for its beautiful beaches. Just south of the country’s capital of Lima, this relaxation destination seems to have it all– pristine sand, a rolling surf from the Pacific Ocean, and a perfect boating harbor all framed by bold rocky slopes. Farther back from the beach are restaurants, a club, and numerous rental houses and apartments for seasonal visitors. Though there are not many nearby hotels, some apartments and houses can be rented for a daily or weekly term. Alexander Zonjic has performed on stages around the world as a solo performer, with his own group, and as part of jazz great Bob James’ band. An