Monday, April 30, 2007

St. George, Utah

We spent most of Spring Break in St. George where my mom and sister live. Besides some ATVing, picnicing and swimming we went to a couple of local places. We visited Dinosaur Discovery, a site where some dinosaur footprints were found. I'll admit I wasn't too excited about dinosaur footprints and the kids weren't overly excited, either. However, it seems to be a great place for kids to learn about dinosaurs, especially if you live locally and can take them there for the various educational activities that are put on. There are some knowledgeable people there, as well. The work being conducted is ongoing and you can witness some of that. They even take volunteers to help with the work. In actuality, upon seeing it and reading on it, it is an important discovery site.

Then there is The Rosenbruch Wildlife Museum. A lot of great information with a lot of work put into recreating habitats of many different animals. I have to say all the dead animals makes it kind of creepy. It is like a zoo of dead animals. Don't get me wrong, I don't have a problem with hunting (for food) and I enjoy hunting myself (for food). I can't say how all the animals for the exhibit were obtained so I can't really comment on that beyond that I find sport hunting distasteful. Among the useful education, the museum is really is a big advertisement for hunting rights and I even agree with some of the points made. However, most often I find sport hunting wrong. I'll say that one would not be able to see so many animals in such a small space (relative to a large zoo) anywhere else. I did enjoy the bug and butterfly collection.

Thursday, April 26, 2007

Updates

I'm going to try to be better at blogging so those who care actually find something new here when they visit. I did some link updating so I believe most are good. I added Toon Club since I have found the art so good and a link to the administrator of that site, S. T. Lewis, who not only does great art but has a hilarious blog.

Bean Leaf Press is the home of The Tales of Dark Leaf a five book series that is currently at book 2 (about to come out) and the artwork of Travis Hanson. The Tales of Dark Leaf is the work of Travis Hanson and Aimee Duncan. I've read the first book, Bean's Song, with my oldest son.

Watch for more updates.

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

GLADiator

Here's another from Toon Club that I couldn't resist. It is done by Seth Hippen.


Tuesday, April 24, 2007

20 Foot 'Shroom?

A fossil long un-classified is now believed to be a 20 foot fungus from about 400 Million years ago. You can read more here. That conjures up a vision from Voyage to the Center of the Earth. If you are truly bored and want to read up on the debate regarding this fossil you can you can do so here. This link includes an artist rendition of what the fungus may have looked like (it was created before the debate was settled). The world 400 Million years ago was definitely different from now with no more than insects running around stunted trees and bushes. That would have been an alien world to walk around in.

Friday, April 20, 2007

No Addiction Here...

You can tell from my frequent posts here that I'm addicted to blogging...

Anywho... Ran into a cool blog of creative people - Toon Club. Its populated by animators and illustrators. Here's a piece that caught my eye:


Yes, YIKES! Here's another - The Problems with Frozen Foods, Jurassic Style:

These samples are by Mark Swan (of Swan Animation, I believe). Go to Toon Club and check out all the great creativity. There are other great artists to enjoy as well!