We commemorate the closing of the millennium by dedicating almost entirely our issue "The Photojournalist of the Century." We considered many photojournalists, and in our editorial, we tell you how we arrived at our choice - Alfred Eisenstaedt.

This multimedia cover story, which holds 74 photographs in 4 galleries, covering the breadth of Eisie's 50 year plus career at LIFE Magazine, is accompanied by 14 RealAudio clips which we recorded in exclusive interviews in the years just prior to Eisie's death in 1995. 

Our contributing editor, Marianne Fulton, introduces the galleries with a major appreciation of the man and the photographer. Eisie's friends and co-workers contribute special tributes. Carl Mydans, whose office adjoined Eisie's for nearly 60 years, writes a moving tribute to "My Friend, Eisie."

John Loengard, who was both a LIFE photographer and later an editor, writes a memorable column from his perspective. Contributing Editor David Friend gives us "Eisenstaedt's Ode to Joy." Bill Pierce, in his Nuts and Bolts column, recalls how Eisenstaedt's dignified presence at LIFE impressed him and his generation of younger photographer's. Longtime friend William Marks, who lived near Eisenstaedt during his summers on Martha's Vineyard, relates Eisie's longtime love for that island. 

From the Camera Coner, our Dick Swanson reviews Apple's Final Cut Pro as a powerful tool for videomakers and the implications for the chnages that it is already having in the broadcast industry.

We hope you enjoy this special holdiday gift from all of us at The Digital Journalist.

Dirck Halstead