my own drum

Winter conditions seem to bring out something in people. Studies have indicated that a lack of light, being snowed in and other conditions are not helpful. And so it is with this in mind that I observed the following.

There is a world record for snow angels. These angels must all appear simultaneously (or thereabouts) and, to become a record they must be verified. As of this writing the holder of this record is Michigan, although according to recent news reports the old record may have just been shattered. Here's a brief history of the snow angel world record.

The snow angel category in the Guinness Book of Records was created in Bismarck in 2002 when 1,791 people flapped their arms and legs in the snow on the state Capitol grounds to create angel imprints. Students at Michigan Technological University in Houghton topped that mark about a year ago with 3,784 snow angels.

I hear you asking, what does New York have to do with any of this? Read more to discover the startling details.

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People in Syracuse, New York, are making their fourth attempt at a snow angel world record. What is going on? It's obvious they didn't plan their operation or they would have known that up in Bismarck nearly 9000 people were pumped and ready to reclaim their title. Syracuse never had a chance, even after deciding that the elementary school kids could join in - with a permission slip from home. Who knew that competition in the snow angel world record was so tough.

From all appearances North Dakota will regain their coveted record. And to anyone who might want to consider wresting their title away, read this comment from one N.D resident.

This is North Dakota pride we're talking about. This is the people's record. We established the record, and I'm very confident people are going to want it back. North Dakota's attempt will draw people even from surrounding states and Canadian provinces. One former North Dakota resident is flying in from California. I want 10,000 people.

Them's fighting words.

For the record, 8,910 people registered in Bismarck, including one woman celebrating her 99th birthday. Here's an image I compiled from the record setting event. It looks like a snow angel easter egg!

stop the war