Loretto, Virginia, USA

What color is 10? For synesthetes (digit-color synesthetes, to be exact), the answer often is blue. Now, where on a scale of 1 to 10 would you put this field of cornflowers? A 10, of course! And, if your birthday is today, what color is it? Blue, of course. Get it? [2021]

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA

In 1830, 40 million bison lived under the stars of freedom, just like the country's human co-occupants. But, Americans couldn't leave their hands (or guns!) off them. They declined to 325 by 1885. Bison numbers have since increased to 500,000 but virtually all live in the prisons we call "reserves," so maybe prison-stripes on the rump are appropriate. [2007]

Jamestown, North Dakota, USA

In the United States we do anything we want with our flag. That's because the flag belongs to us: We, the People. Do you know that in many other countries the flag belongs to the government and its use is restricted to officially sanctioned places and events. But wait! Isn't there a U.S. Flag Code? [2021]

Warwick, Rhode Island, USA

Even a tawdry sheet-metal plant can look sharp if it has Old Glory on top. And, that smiling tin man standing sentry seems as proud as can be of his flag and his country. O Are you flying your favorite flag on this Independence Day? [2013]

Boise, Idaho, USA

Idaho was born 131 years ago today, and the state began life with Boise as its capital. A new state house was built about thirty years later, very much in line with the style of the U.S. capitol in Washington. Most Americans could not tell you when their state celebrates statehood. In Idaho, at least the date it easy to remember: a day before the nation's birthday. [2020]

Marion, North Carolina, USA

Kudos to the school kids who designed the mural! 

"Teetering fearfully on the edge of forever, 

Leaving the safety of the nest behind, they stretch unsteady wings against a sky bright with dreams.

Their feathers do not fail them.

Lifted by the thrill of the wind, eyes bright on the horizon, the little ones fly." [2020]

Baltimore, Maryland, USA

Meet the atlantes who have held up Hotel Junker for more than a hundred years. In fact, they have outlived the hotel. Perhaps you remember Atlas, the Titan who held up the sky. Atlant is another name for Atlas, and a perfect name for these two because they hold up the building. They are also called telamons. [2021]