Category Archives: Funny/Unusual

Eyecatching is exactly the right word for it

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Hat tip to my buddy Kyle for this one, a rather inventive billboard going up on State Street next to the Dairy Queen. These workers were having quite a time getting the net full of eyeballs just right. Yes, that’s right…a net full of giant inflatable eyeballs.

My little boys, who were with me in the truck, thought it was pretty cool to see eyeballs bigger than they are. Even a four year old gets the gimmick behind this ad, with the net “catching” the eyes. Eyecatching, indeed!

One way to protect your abandoned missile launch facility

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When the 321st Missile Wing was deactivated, its silos were imploded, communications lines cut, and underground launch control facilities filled. The above ground portion of its facilities were turned over to private landowners. I’ve visited many of these, and sadly many are in a state of decay. Then there’s this one.

I got quite a laugh after pulling up to the gate. You may remember that I have a strict NO TRESPASSING rule in my photography, so the gate is as far as we went. There was something odd about this building, and my eyes quickly honed in on a shape in one of the windows, behind the former security desk:

Thankfully one of the lenses I carry is a long telephoto, which allowed me to see what the spooky shape was: a manikin! Boo! The sight of that head just barely peeking over the counter is probably spooky enough to dissuade any potential trespassers…especially since it reminds me of that bald chick from the first Star Trek movie.

By the way, if you’re interested in more of the sights I saw on this trip, check out some older posts:

“Cold War Mancation”, Part One

“Cold War Mancation”, Part Two

“Cold War Mancation”, Part Three

“Cold War Mancation”, Part Four

“Cold War Mancation”, Part Five:

My money’s on the Bulldogs to win

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Something caught my eye at tonight’s basketball jamboree, held at the Bismarck Civic Center. Did you catch it?

Bowman County and Flasher were paired, making it a dogfight. I have to admit I was confused as to which Bulldogs were which on the scoreboard! I think Bowman County came away with the W, but the only thing of which I’m certain is that the Bulldogs won.

This billboard is truly 3D

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My friend Amy clued me in to this billboard Friday so I had to take a look. It’s pretty eye catching and at a killer location. At first you’d feel really sorry for the poor individual who got stuck up there to put up a sign in this bitter cold!

Of course, closer inspection reveals that this worker is either milking the clock, frozen solid, or something else entirely. That something else? A mannikin. Clever! It certainly draws the eye, anyway.

Looking back at the first photo, I think this is a good eye catcher for rolling out a new image. I just hope that when it’s revealed, it doesn’t contain another doggone leaf!

There’s a perfectly good explanation for this. I have no idea what that might be

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Do cows like to line up and watch a cloud show? Perhaps they do. I didn’t see anything else nearby that could cause two dozen cattle to line up shoulder to shoulder along this barbed wire fence south of Valley City. Naturally a couple of bovine sentries turned around to keep an eye on me as I approached, blowing an otherwise perfect shot, but the fact that all twenty-four of them were still lined up along the top of this hill was worth a hike and a few quick shots.

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.

I’ve found your new septic service

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I left work early today, knocking off at 11 am and heading out with my cameras in the truck to see what I could see. While turning around to go back and get a different shot I spied this truck, and was able to meet its owner. Wait for the punchline…

Yes, I know, this is a rather unconventional name. I’m aware of the connotations. It’s a little crude for my liking, but I’ll make an exception in this case. Make note of the phone number, because if you have a septic system you may wish to choose this guy to service it…

With a sense of humor like this and political orientation in line with most North Dakotans I know, I predict success for this small business. The back of this truck (the punchline I described earlier) is hilarious and say sin a few words everything you need to know about the North Dakota political environment.

As we send Byron Dorgan packing due to his surrender and look forward to converting Earl Pomeroy to civilian status at the ballot box in two and a half weeks a week and a half, we’re going to need a legislative pumper truck to evacuate much of the damage they’ve caused or in which they’ve had a hand. See, this truck is good for so many metaphors when it comes to Washington, DC!