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One of the most delightful ways to see the Burgundy region of France is on a canal boat. A 60-mile cruise aboard the La Belle Epoque, a converted trading vessel which was converted into a sailing hotel, is described.

Experts generally agree that Columbus was born in Genoa, but they disagree about where he is buried. Columbus was a relatively uneducated man who had a great knowledge of weather and the Mediterranean area. His life and the places he lived are discussed.

Examines the role of caffeine in today's culture. Forms of foods, drinks and medicines that contain caffeine; Studies which suggest that introverts are more effected by caffeine than extrovert are; The $30 million caffeine market in the U.S.; Amount of caffeine in frequently consumed items; Reasons that caffeine is so popular world wide; Various studies on the use of the substance; How it is believed to work in the brain; What is in caffeinated coffee that is missing from decaf; The very big global tea business; The safety of caffeine consumption; The global coffee business. INSETS: How big is your buzz?;Your Brain on Caffeine.

Highlights several revolutions in mapping as of January 1998. Brief details about the duties of John Kelmelis, chief scientist for geographic research at the United States Geological Survey; Where the world's largest maps reside; The shift in the perspective of mapmaking; History of mapmaking; The use of global positioning systems; The benefits of remote sensing.

Reports on the construction of the Three Gorges Dam on China's Yangtze River. Biggest project in China since the construction of the Great Wall; Effort to control flooding and harness electrical power; Statistics of size and cost; Consideration of impact on the region; Relocation of populations; Impact on the river; Comments from local people.

Discusses the author's visit to the underworld of New York City. A sampling of the water mains and sewers, underwater tunnels, and underground subway tracks; People who have lived underground, including Bernard Isaac.

Features New Orleans. Increase in the incidence of crime; Below sea level location; History as a hub of oil and gas explorations; Popular people from New Orleans.

Describes Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Resurgence of economic growth; Landmarks including One Liberty Place; Sports events; Arts and antiquities; Chinese community.

Features Acadiana, the broad swath of Louisiana west of New Orleans and south of Baton Rouge. Cajun country; Hot spot for sophisticated travelers by the mid-1980s; Lafayette, Cajun country's capital city.

Describes a concert cruise on the ship Mermoz. Crew; Passengers; Gala dinner; Performance; Journey; Contemplation of average age of the symphony audience; Photographs.

Features St. Louis, Missouri. St. Louis as a city of neighborhoods and private streets; History; Extensive system of limestone caves beneath the town; Hospitable citizens; Secrets of a small neighborhood; University City Loop.

Presents a photo essay with text on the Derby, Alaska's 24-hour fishing season for Pacific halibut. History of halibut fishing in the Gulf of Alaska; Canada's Individual Vessel Quota (IVQ) system; International North Pacific Halibut Commission; Debate over the United States' proposed quota-sharing system; Fishing boats at Kodiak, Alaska; Long-line fishing; Dangers faced by boat crews, who battle fatigue and hunger.

Features a photograph of Pine and Oak Alley, a road created by Charles Durand on his sugar plantation in the southwestern Louisiana town of St. Martinville. History of the road; Accounts of customs celebrated in the road.

Deals with the Toscana Photographic Workshop, a travel photography workshop in Tuscany, Italy. Philosophy of travel photographers in their profession; Activities at the workshop; Focus of the workshop led by photojournalist Paolo Pellegrin.

Mentions the author's efforts to check the prime meridian. His bird's-eye view.