Washington, DC, USA

The horse population of the United States topped out in 1920 at 25 million. Today, there are fewer than 10 million, thanks largely to the mechanization of transportation and farming. For hippophiles, though, there are still a few professions that put you on horseback. For some, that's a few birthdays away; for others, a little longer. [2012]

Annapolis, Maryland, USA

It was only last week that yet another shooting rampage took place in the 'good ole' USA: Five people (count the ribbons) were killed with a 12-gauge shotgun. All five were local reporters. "Stay Strong Annapolis. Our Hearts are with the Capitol Gazette." And, Jesus wept yet again. [2018]

Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA

What do you do the summer after graduating from high school? Get back to nature on Back Bay, which has been a National Wildlife Refuge since the 1930s when it was so isolated there was virtually no human footprint. Now, it's in Virginia's most populous city and a recreational mecca. If today is your birthday, here's to fond memories! [1995]

Marlowe, West Virginia, USA

Fireworks on Independence Day? It's a tradition that goes back to the very first anniversary of the signing: July 4, 1777. Three weeks earlier, the 'stars and stripes' had been adopted as the national standard. So, what seems like garish commercialism here is really a deep dip into the history of our democracy. [2018]

Washington, DC, USA

Lafayette Park is perfectly positioned to send a message of protest to the White House (hopefully, even if the President is not there). If you look closely, you can see two sentries on the roof. They've got a bird's-eye-view of how the next generation is getting ready to take over the reins of government. [2018]

Washington, DC, USA

"This is Insanity. Show Humanity." Separating parents and children, especially young children, seems like something we shouldn't do in everyday life, so why has the U.S. government made family separation a policy at the border? Unjustifiable! Families belong together. [2018]

Washington, DC, USA

Families Belong Together: That was the official name of the march that began in front of the White House and proceeded down Pennsylvania Avenue toward the Capitol yesterday. In reality, it was a march in support of all immigrants: past, present, future; children, parents, grandparents; black, white, brown. It was a march in favor of human rights. [2018]