Jamestown, Rhode Island, USA

Shore Road on Jamestown Island is blocked off so that one of the bay-view homesteads can receive some new evergreens. Green is so prestigious. [2019]

Mount Rushmore, South Dakota, USA

George Washington seems like he is all alone up there, but don't worry. He's got company. You just can't see the whole picture because of your perspective. Isn't that the case with most things in life? There is an orthodox way of viewing a situation, and there are alternative perspectives that complete the picture. [2019]

Mount Rushmore, South Dakota, USA

Four past Presidents (for sure) and two future Presidents (perhaps): That's the function of Mount Rushmore, to inspire everyone to lead by example right across the generations. There is only one problem with this tableaux vivant, however: no women! [2019]

Mount Rushmore, South Dakota, USA

Africa has the Great Sphinx, Asia had (alas, past tense) the Bamiyan Buddhas; Europe has the Lion Monument, and America has Mount Rushmore. What do they have in common other than their colossal size? All are defining icons of the cultures that gave them birth. [2019]

Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, USA

Study hard. If the kids in the local universe haven't started school yet, today is the day. Their schools, however, do not look like this. The one-room school house (this one moved to the campus of Shippensburg State College in 1969) was a foundation stone of American education. One hundred years ago, there were 190,000; today, there are under 400. [1993]

Washington, DC, USA

Work hard. But not today! It's Labor Day, which means we are not supposed to labor. Go figure! It's the last day of our three-day weekend and the last day of summer. Pay no attention to the astronomers who have inexplicably conflated two ideas: the autumnal equinox and the first day of fall. Fall begins tomorrow! [2013]

Cañon City, Colorado. USA

Play hard. It's the end of summer, the pools are closing, a new sports season is beginning, and the hours of daylight are diminishing. Whatever you didn't get done this summer, do this week-end! Then, say thank you to at least one person who made your summer so much fun. [2005]