Photos: Bettendorf, Iowa Trip

Here's some photos from a trip to Bettendorf, Iowa where I attended an Education Technology Conference with my wife on June 21 and June 22.

We stayed at The Lodge, a European-styled hotel with lots of fantastic wood carvings, furniture, artwork, and architecture. I didn't have a lot of time to take photos, but I was able to capture a few interesting shots. April also managed to snap a few photos of the exterior from the vehicle on our way home.

















Apparently, Iowa can lay claim to the 'World's Largest Truckstop'...



Satellite dishes outside of Iowa Public Television...



Photos © 2006 Chad Kerychuk.

Photos: Bathroom Spider

One of the cats saw this critter crawling into the bathroom last night. The photos make it look larger than actual size, which was about the width of a quarter. Still, I wouldn't want it creeping up on me, so I scooped it up and put it outside.




Photos © 2006 Chad Kerychuk.

Photos: Iowa State Insect Zoo

My wife was asked to photograph the Iowa State Insect Zoo traveling exhibit so I tagged along and snapped a few shots of my own. There were lots of other events including craft activities, games, storytelling, a book fair, and a snack room where guests could make 'Ants on a Log.'

Colorful, creepy crawlies and snacks...what more could a kid ask for?













Photos © 2006 Chad Kerychuk.

Photos: June 19 Hail Storm

Some photos from an early morning hail storm here in Creston, Iowa:






Photos © 2006 Chad Kerychuk.

Photos: Picking Mulberries

We have a Mulberry tree in our backyard in Iowa, so we decided to pick some of the berries that were ready. As usual, one of the cats (Monique) decided to join us.






Photos © 2006 Chad Kerychuk.

Raiders Celebrates 25 Years

25 years ago today, movie fans witnessed "the return of the great adventure" when George Lucas and Steven Spielberg brought us Raiders of the Lost Ark.

A personal all-time favorite, Raiders took viewers into the world of archeologist, Dr. Henry "Indiana" Jones, Jr. and his quest for the lost Ark of the Covenant. The film, styled after old movie serials, would spawn two sequels, video games, books, comics, and other related merchadise. Currently discussions are underway to film a fouth adventure with the Fedora-wearing, whip-wielding archeologist.

As was the case with the original release, the film continues to inspire filmmakers, archeologists, scholars, artists, video game designers, special effects technicians, stunt men, sound designers, and armchair adventurers.



To celebrate the historic film and its anniversary, I've put together a few links to send you off on your own adventure...

Twenty-Five Reasons to Watch Raiders Again - The official Indiana Jones website provides 25 little-known facts about the film.

TheRaider.net - One of the finest digsites for news, facts, events, fan films, forums, and references about the Indiana Jones projects. Be sure to check out the great 25th anniversary tribute post they've put together, with wallpapers, screenshots, and references.

IndyGear - From the famous Fedora, to the rugged leather jacket, to the trusty bullwhip, IndyGear is THE Indiana Jones Equipment Resource. Spend valuable research time in the Props section and visit the forum where you can learn how other fans make their own. Make it a priority to visit Dr. David West Reynolds' The Archeology of Indiana Jones section so you can learn about the real-life inspirations behind the movies!

Indyfan.com - A website by Indy fans for Indy fans.

Indiana Jones (In Development) - Information, screenshots, and a trailer for the upcoming video game from Lucasarts.



Step into the time machine and check out the original trailer for Raiders of the Lost Ark at this link.

Images TM, © & Copyright © Lucasfilm, Ltd. and Paramount Pictures.

Photos: Venus Fly Traps

I've always wanted a Venus Fly Trap and we know a few friends who might like to have one, so we picked up a few today. April and I were supervised by the cats while we transplanted the Fly Traps into larger pots.









Photos © 2006 Chad Kerychuk.