Elk Horn, Iowa, USA

Let's play Jeopardy. The answer is 'Morning Star Chapel.' What's the question? 'What is the smallest church in the United States?' It's located on the Iowa Prairie in the heart of Danish America. [2008]

Ochopee, Florida, USA

Let's play Jeopardy. The answer is 'The one in Ochopee, Florida.' What's the question? 'What is the smallest post office in the United States?' It's located along the Tamiami Trail in the heart of the Everglades. [2003]

Berwyn, Illinois, USA

All suburbs have shopping center parking lots, but only Berwyn had the Spindle. For almost 20 years, it was a place-maker, popular among some and despised by others. The 'car kebab' was disassembled in 2008. RIP, icon of autocracy (rule by the auto). [1989]

Lakeside, California, USA

When you arrive in Lakeside's historic district, the first thing you see is the Burger King. Somebody here needs the help of a geographer with expertise in place-making. [2013]

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

New frames, new windows, new lenses. Does his work make him an optometrist or a refenestrator? Either way, one old dame is getting some new spectacles, which will give yet another generation a chance to bring the world into focus. [2011]

Genoa, Italy

What's the future of the giornalaio (newspaper vendor)? Ask Borders. What's the future of the telefono pubblico? Ask Bell (or Apple). Change is coming to urban landscapes everywhere, but the clock rising above the neighborhood piano offers hope. Even with the advent of wrist watches and cell phones, 'town clocks' have remained a part of city life. [2008]

London, England, UK

The British do pageantry better than anyone on earth. That's why the City of Westminster still has a large population of horses (and riders). Apparently, the Queen still needs the Household Calvary. They are stationed at Horse Guards, right across the park from Buckingham Palace. [2008]