Thursday, June 29, 2006

Photo: Dried Frog

This inch-long shrivelled hopper was on the front walkway at our friends' home here in Iowa.

Dried Frog photo

Photo © 2006 Chad Kerychuk.

Photos: Fun With Apple's Photo Booth

Photos from goofing around with Apple's new Intel-powered iMac with built-in iSight camera and Photo Booth software.

Say "cheese!"

Chad's Photo Booth Photo

Chad's Photo Booth Photo

Chad's Photo Booth Photo

Chad's Photo Booth Photo

Chad's Photo Booth Photo

Chad's Photo Booth Photo

Chad's Photo Booth Photo

Chad's Photo Booth Photo

Chad's Photo Booth Photo

Chad's Photo Booth Photo

Tuesday, June 27, 2006

Photos: Peggy Sue's Good Eats

My wife had to travel to Mt. Ayr, Iowa, to take care of some professional matters, so I joined her on the day trip with our friend Al. He wanted to show us a cool 50's-themed restaurant, but we arrived to find it closed for the day. Hopefully we'll get a chance to go inside some other time, because looking through the windows revealed some great retro decor.

Mt. Ayr Peggy Sue's photo 01
Mt. Ayr Peggy Sue's photo 02
Mt. Ayr Peggy Sue's photo 03

Photos © 2006 Chad Kerychuk.

Saturday, June 24, 2006

Photos: June Bug

Check out this rather large June Bug on the screen of our back door here in Iowa last night.

A comparison beside the tip of my thumb....

June Bug Photo 01.
June Bug Photo 02.

Photos © 2006 Chad Kerychuk.

Friday, June 23, 2006

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.

Bettendorf Iowa Trip Photo 01

Bettendorf Iowa Trip Photo 02

Bettendorf Iowa Trip Photo 03

Bettendorf Iowa Trip Photo 04

Bettendorf Iowa Trip Photo 05

Bettendorf Iowa Trip Photo 06

Bettendorf Iowa Trip Photo 07

Bettendorf Iowa Trip Photo 08

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

Bettendorf Iowa Trip Photo 09

Satellite dishes outside of Iowa Public Television...

Bettendorf Iowa Trip Photo 10

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.

Bathroom spider photo 01
Bathroom spider photo 02

Photos © 2006 Chad Kerychuk.

Monday, June 19, 2006

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?

Iowa State Insect Zoo Photo 01
Iowa State Insect Zoo Photo 02
Iowa State Insect Zoo Photo 03
Iowa State Insect Zoo Photo 04
Iowa State Insect Zoo Photo 05
Iowa State Insect Zoo Photo 06
Iowa State Insect Zoo Photo 07
Iowa State Insect Zoo Photo 08
Iowa State Insect Zoo Photo 09
Iowa State Insect Zoo Photo 10
Iowa State Insect Zoo Photo 18

Photos © 2006 Chad Kerychuk.

Photos: June 19 Hail Storm

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

Photo of Hail Storm in Creston Iowa on June 19 2006
Photo of Hail Storm in Creston Iowa on June 19 2006
Photo of Hail Storm in Creston Iowa on June 19 2006
Photo of Hail Storm in Creston Iowa on June 19 2006

Photos © 2006 Chad Kerychuk.

Thursday, June 15, 2006

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.

Berry Picking Photo 01
Berry Picking Photo 01
Berry Picking Photo 03
Berry Picking Photo 04

Photos © 2006 Chad Kerychuk.

Monday, June 12, 2006

Raiders Celebrates 25 Years

Raiders of the Lost Ark movie poster 01

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.

Raiders of the Lost Ark still photo 01

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.

    Raiders of the Lost Ark movie poster 02

    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.