First off - Star Wars stamps and voting for stamp to be it's own sheet. All done here. I voted for Boba Fett, but either him or Darth Vader would be cool to have on stamps... actually Yoda, too. Mmm...

Next, this is a great and longer article in the New York Times about Omaha last week. Give it a read to learn more about my new home town - don't you want to live here now, too?

Oh, and here's a mathematical thinking in physics site for those more inclined that way.

Today I had "soul food" for dinner - BBQ ribs on white bread, mashed potatoes, fried okra(!), cornbread and ice cream for desert. Yeah, and I wonder why my gut has been bothering me so much lately. (Though it tasted good!) OK, break's over, back to work!

This one isn't mine, but seems like a cool way to spend an hour while in NYC! Here's the web site for the folks hosting this mystery.

Loathe IRBs. To better protect us by ensuring 20% of a researcher's time is occupied completing forms and filing paper work that has little if anything to do with the research. Also ensures that tons more trees are killed for consent forms (as you may already have experience with in your doctor visits). Makes me think of the movie Brazil every time I have to interact with one no matter how "kind" they are.

My previous landlord. Mr. Chang could have ended my phone call to him today on a nice note as I was indicating I will no longer seek a return of $65 he took from my security deposit for removal of carpet stains (he already took out $125 for other items). I indicated that these stains existed before I moved in, but after a fuller explanation from him, I realized I wouldn't be getting any of this $ back. Right before hanging up he says "sorry I didn't respond to your email, but it didn't seem worth responding to for only $65". Dude! If it's no big deal, then just send me the check already! :P

Antibiotics. (Mostly) good for the immune system, but wrecks havoc on my GI system. I wonder if I have any e. coli left? Just 12 more hours of this... I hope.

Guess everyone can be glad I stayed local with my rants and didn't carry on to items such as 1) RIAA & Congressionally enacted new exorbitant internet music fees, 2) Gonzalez, Rove, Cheney, & Bush (get rid of em!), & 3) why ethanol for alternative fuel isn't the answer for gas prices, economy or environment (though it'll make a few farmers temporarily wealthier).

In my attempt to have a life outside of work, I joined my new friend Jessica at a nearby bar on Monday night for kareoke. Mind you, getting there at 7pm (ok, I was 20 mins late) meant we were the only ones there to use the equipment for a bit. Also there were always at least 2-10 others there to cheer/jeer us on. I did 4 songs: Common People, Creep, Hooked on a Feeling, & Major Tom. The last one is what the pic is from. I think it's one of the most appropriately timed pics (even if not that flattering).

On my way to exploring a good Thai restaurant in downtown Lincoln (Blue Orchid), discovered Mr. R2D2 outside in his new job.



Was nice day to visit various family members in Lincoln (much busier than I expected so I didn't get to see everyone). Hope the Michaud clan can meet up soon to celebrate all of the Feb/Mar birthdays next weekend... we'll see.

Good day - Kansas won and got to play Ticket To Ride online with great folks in CA.

A little name dropping in a rheumatology news press site. It wasn't my paper, but funny how they can fill up such space.

Also, in non-work news, it's the end of the zefrank show. I highly recommend it for amusing regularly videos from the past year.

as warned, here are some pics from the wonderful Omaha zoo! Oh yeah, it was 80F the other day, now it's freezing - good ole midwest weather!

So last I was here was after the Big Blizzard! (*rushing wind noises*). Well, it wasn't over so fast. I drove to Kansas City on May 2nd through a closed I29. It was frightening. I had a friend on the phone telling me how horrible it was and that I should turn around and stay home (it was good for keeping me that much more cautious) and the drive itself at times seemed like I was stuck in a zombie movie where all the cars were crashed off the road. Very scary, but all worked out ok!

Had a great week following this. Weather got good, started using the kitchen, went to the zoo (yes! many pictures to come!), and explored more of Omaha's food joints. I've developed this horrible head cold. Today I was mostly useless and went in and out of consciousness at home and work. It's crazy, it reached 80 freakin degrees outside today and I still had a bit of snow in the yard! (ok, it officially was all melted by tonight) And to be sick while it's so nice outside - just a kick in the pants. But the up and down weather of the midwest is back and I like it (I think). Once again the weather guy becomes a local celebrity, known more than any other personalities.

So, last week was mahvalous. Got high on Lucky Charms. Discovered funniest site evah here at icanhascheezburger.com. KU won the Big XII both ways and I've started up the annual college bracket contest among friends/family from all over (if you're interested, let me know - starts Thursday!).

I'm also on a mission - to find white sour cream frosting. NO ONE carries it in New York, California and now Nebraska. But they do carry it in Wichita. Crazy! Got new orthotics in shoes and now feel like I'm walking sideways and got the new DDR so I can mess up my toes by dancing at home cuz there's no one below me to complain, mwa ha ha! Ok, this is all clearly proof that the cold meds are taking full effect again. Ciao 4 now!

This one hit this morning (Thursday) and went on through 3pm. almost a foot of snow. I stayed home for work and at 5:30pm shoveled the driveway. After 2 hrs, all done, but I'm so exhausted and sore. Estimated ~10,000 lbs of snow & shovel was shoveled off to the side. Think I'll hire professionals for next winter - but good exercise! (Pictures to come - too tired)