The Crucible on Parris Island — Part 1
The recruits in this video, and the two to follow, have nearly reached the end of USMC boot camp’s Phase Three, which…
Combat Water Survival Training on Parris Island
Phase Two of boot camp features combat water survival. Many recruits arrive on Parris Island unable to swim; some actually fear the…
Martial-Arts Training on Parris Island
A drill instructor, in the blue sweatshirt, supervises mouth-guarded Marine recruits practicing martial arts on Parris Island. Leslie CarboneI believe that travel…
Close-Order Drill on Parris Island
“If you all scream together, you will stay together!” a drill instructor yells to Marine recruits. “Yes, Sir!” By popular demand, I’m…
Lost in New York
You just never want to see this sign. I used to fly when I visited my parents in Massachusetts. Three Christmases ago,…
More Christmas Decorations at Colonial Williamsburg
Thanks to those of you who made last week’s post on Christmas decorations at Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia so popular, I’m posting…
George Washington Speaks at Colonial Williamsburg
In 1767, the British Parliament adopted a plan offered by Charles Townshend, chancellor of the exchequer, to levy import duties on a…
Colonial Christmastide at Night
Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia is lovely by day, but the 18th century springs to Brigadoon-esque life at night. In the dim…
Holiday Decorations at Colonial Williamsburg
Rusty orange leaves dot grey-brown branches. Festive wreathes brighten painted wooden doors and paned glass windows. Townspeople stroll the brick sidewalks in…
Waikiki in the Morning
As the sun rose on our last day on Oahu, my travel companion and I headed down to the beach. Even early…
Kokololio Beach Park on Oahu — 15 minutes of tranquility
There’s a certain magic in stillness. It’s rare, elusive, and often undervalued in the hustle of daily life. But those rare moments…
Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu
The day after our somber visit to Pearl Harbor, my travel companion and I went for the celebratory atmosphere of the Polynesian…