Monthly Archives: November 2010

Busy day at the Memorial

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I didn’t think I’d make it to the memorial at the capitol today, but I did. I had plenty of company. Showing up twenty minutes early turned out to be a pretty good plan, as it really packed in with people (including a LOT of kids) waiting to see the phenomenon!

This is the circular beam of light which is cast by the sun thanks to a tube in the side of the memorial (see the post immediately below this one). At 11:00 it is centered on North Dakota, which is a raised and somewhat polished portion of brass on the globe in the monument’s center.

The globe itself has seen better days. The brass North Dakota is tarnished and needs to be polished & coated. There are also bird droppings on it, something I figured would be corrected before Veterans’ Day arrived. I figured wrong. If a volunteer is needed, I’ll put my name on the list.

This was a neat event, but let’s not forget that today is about the nation’s soldiers. Please read on to the post below this one for more on that. Thank every veteran and soldier you encounter today!

On this day of remembrance

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I’m sure many of you will recognize the All Veterans Memorial on the grounds of the North Dakota state capitol. With today being Veterans’ Day, there will be a lot of visitors here. This memorial does something special on this day, although a cloudy day may hamper that a little. So far the forecast has been wrong and the skies are clear, so perhaps all can proceed as planned.

For anyone who doesn’t know, the top of this memorial is only square on the outside; the inside is a spherical dome. That’s important for many reasons, which are evident when you’re there. At the center of the monument is a globe on a pedestal.

As the placard describes, something special happens here at 11 o’clock on the eleventh hour of the eleventh month every year, in commemoration of Veterans’ Day.

At precisely that time, the rays of the sun travel down this hole in the dome of the monument, beaming their way directly toward the globe at its center. I was kinda hoping that someone would be able to clean that stain off the wall where water sometimes drips through the tunnel.

On the globe, North Dakota is raised and polished above the surrounding terrain. The light of the sun strikes it directly for a brief period of time every Veterans’ Day at 11 am, lighting it up for those in attendance.

I’m not sure my schedule will allow me to attend today, so I thought I’d share some images of this phenomenon from years past. Judging by the number of people waiting to catch a glimpse of this once-a-year happening, I can see it’s no secret.

This is the base upon which the globe sits. Note that the inscription says “the eleventh hour of the eleventh day.” That’s significant because World War I ended at 11:00 on 11/11/1918.

In addition to this memorial and the ones at each end of the new Memorial Bridge, there is also the Global War on Terror Memorial in west Bismarck. Sadly, names have been added to the roster here in 2010 as we continue to stand vigilant against terrorist adversaries.

Dedicated on September 11th, this memorial specifically honors those who have sacrificed all in the war on global terrorism. While September 11th is of important significance at this memorial, so too is November 11th. In my opinion we can’t have enough days honoring our soldiers. 365 per year seems about right.

Today is about one thing: remembrance of the American soldier. Millions have served this great nation over the past couple hundred years and every one of them sacrificed a great deal, even if they didn’t lose their life or suffer physical injury in battle. We should hold them in high regard and thank them for the freedoms we enjoy because of their commitment to duty. Regardless of whether the sun appears today these Memorials are always worth a visit. Then take some time to peruse the names on those metal placards and consider the men and women who protect this great nation.

I’d like to pass along my personal thanks to all veterans and their families, who sacrifice along with them. Closest to me are my friends Reed and Tony, although I’ve met many others and owe my freedom to millions of ’em. Military service is not something to be taken lightly, and neither is the sacrifice of a soldier’s family. Today’s a good day to take some time and express our thanks.

Second calling

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One noteworthy feature of the North Dakota landscape is an old box car converted into farmyard storage. Sadly, I think many of them are now part of the abandoned, deteriorating “fallen farms” which catch my eye so frequently. As they crumble, they take a bit of history to the dust with them. The lettering on this one was too faded to read. As the property was signed “No Trespassing” I was unable to get a closer look, settling to take my photos from the road.

Help wanted: Somebody “bale” me out!

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I got up before the sun today to roam around with my cameras and some guns. I’m not a hunter, but I knew I’d probably swing by the range in my travels, and I was not wrong. It’s an interesting time to be a photographer, this hunting season. For instance, I don’t hike anywhere off the road…I don’t want to get shot.

Traveling the back roads is quite entertaining, however. I appreciate when I run into things like this, where someone has taken the time to provide a laugh for passers-by. Of course, on a road as remote as this, I doubt many people would get to see it (aside from the new hunting arrivals). That’s why I’m pleased to be able to share it with you.

Meet the new Lieutenant Governor of the great state of North Dakota

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Drew Wrigley was announced as the new Lieutenant Governor of North Dakota today. You may remember him as the US State’s Attorney under the administration of George W. Bush. He’s the one who prosecuted Alfonso Rodriguez for the murder of UND student Dru Shodin a few years ago. He was replaced by a big Democrat Party donor/operative once the Obama regime took over in 2009.

The announcement was made by our next Governor, current Lt. Governor Jack Dalrymple. Since Governor John Hoeven is moving on to the United States Senate, Lt. Gov Dalrymple will assume to role in a fashion that hasn’t taken place in North Dakota in 75 years.

It was a very happy (and well-attended) event at the Great Hall of the North Dakota State Capitol. The second Mr. Wrigley stepped out, the place erupted in cheers. I was pleasantly surprised and excited as well! I wish both these men the best and will pray for them as they prepare to take over the executive branch of our state government.

I see the newspapers are all using stock photos (or none at all) for this story. I sent one to Rob at the Say Anything Blog along with the news of Wrigley’s selection just before the announcement was officially made. I guess that chalks one up for us crazy bloggers! Not that we’re keeping score…

Let the Day Begin

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Here’s to the babies in a brand new world,
Here’s to the beauty of the stars…
Here’s to the travelers of the open road,
Here’s to the dreamers and the bards…
Here’s to the soldiers on the desert dunes,
Here’s to the farmers in the fields…
Here’s to the preachers of the sacred Word,
Here’s to the loving God who heals…

Here’s to you, my little loves, with blessing from above, now let the Day begin.

Just sharing a friendly good morning with you and the windmill perched near Farmer’s Livestock southeast of Bismarck and some lyrics modified from one of my favorite songs by The Call.

If I had to pick the question I have been asked most frequently at the Republican Victory Party or even online yesterday, it would have to be a variant of “what will you blog about now?” My stock answer has been “sunsets and windmills!” Of course, the lead photo of this post is a sunrise, but I’m sure you get the picture (pun intended).

I started this blog as a photo diary of a guy who loves Bismarck-Mandan and North Dakota in general. It shall remain exactly that. Desperate times call for desperate measures, they say, and we certainly are in those. I won’t rule out a political post from time to time, especially with a lame duck session of Congress to deal with yet. A Republican sweep in North Dakota makes things much more optimistic here at home, but let’s not forget that we’re in very pivotal times for our country. I may periodically comment on things as a result. Regardless, I intend for things to return to “business as usual” here at the ol’ Blog.

Get out and vote! No, I’m not promising pizza, gas cards, or a free TV like the Democrats

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Get. Out. And. Vote. Can’t make it any more plain than that. It’s time to take the first step in setting things right in our government. Here are a couple of quick resources to help you out:

Here’s a link to several maps showing you which legislative district you’re in: LINK

Here’s a link to find out where your polling place is so you can cast your vote: LINK

The link above is part of the Secretary of State’s VIP (Voter Information Portal): LINK

Oh yeah…about the free TV thing. Plains Daily and Say Anything are reporting that the Spirit Lake Tribe was caught offering gas cards to people for transporting people to the polls. The person who hauled the most would receive a flat screen TV. THIS IS ILLEGAL. Here’s the law (PDF).


This is the same law Earl Pomeroy’s cronies violated up at UND, using a Student Government van to transport college students to the polls and providing them pizza. UND’s legal counsel put a stop to that one right quick.

Get out and vote! If you see anything irregular, like someone bringing in vans of mentally disabled people and filling out their ballots for them, MAKE IT KNOWN. Take photos. Shoot video. Provide it to the Secretary of State’s Office IMMEDIATELY. Get it on YouTube, get it online. Make it public.

Let’s not allow North Dakota to become another Minnesota, where ballots are suddenly found at the last minute, waiting to give a liberal Democrat the victory. Don’t think the Democrats won’t do it if they think they can get away with it. I’ve just shown two examples of how they’re already trying.

Let’s settle this the old fashioned way: by overwhelming them at the polls! Vote, tell your friends to vote, tell your family to vote. See you tomorrow.