The Story of Barack Obama's Mother
Barack Obama's greatest influence was a woman most Americans know nothing about. How her uncommon life shaped his views of the world.

PA. Gets its Political Close-Up
Second in a series Pennsylvanians are next in line to cast votes for Clinton or Obama. How they decide may foreshadow the election in November.

Philly Politicos Kick it Old-School
Ward leaders in Philadelphia will get out the vote in the primary, just as Grandpop did.

An Unlikely Refuge for Hippie Apes
Conservationists fear for the survival of the sociable, sexual bonobos, but an answer may be found in war-torn Congo.

Don't Ditch the GDP
Want to measure happiness? Great. Health? Swell. But don't ruin the best gauge we have of economic activity.

Reality TV Wants to Heal You
The current crop of reality TV is less about makeovers and competitions, and more about therapy.

Hong Kong Kung-fu Stars Can't Be Stopped
Why Hong Kong kung-fu fighters Jackie Chan and Jet Li have outlasted a generation of Hollywood action stars?

The New Low-Light Photography
Sharp images by candlelight, detail in dim shadows, rich colors even at night. Once-impossible shots are yours for the taking.

How to Shoot a Classic
With a discerning eye and grainy black-and-white technique, you can turn your camera into a glamorous time machine.

2008 Digital Wizard Contest
Three masters of the medium turned our ho-hum photos into amazing flights of fantasy. Here's how.

Lighting
Mix light and change your camera setting to turn a plain white backdrop into a rainbow of portrait possibilities.

Camera Test
-- Canon EOS Rebel XSi
-- Casio EXILIM Pro EX-F1

Lens Test
-- Canon 55-250mm f/4-5.6 EF-S IS
-- Pentax SMCP-DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL II

Japanese fashion & beauty magazine.

On the Cover
Miyu.