About three months ago, I weighed in for a workplace-sponsored weight loss contest, and to cut right to the chase, the results were downright alarming.  I've pretty much always had a bit of a paunch, but I've noticed it growing bigger and bigger over recent years.  I'd put a lot of thought into what I should be doing about it, but never quite felt ( Read more... )

Yesterday was the first day without any irritation. Vision still isn't quite right, though, and I've found that while my left eye by itself sees with perfect clarity, the right one... not so much, something's off. So together things still aren't perfect yet. I don't know if that's going to improve on its own, or if a second procedure on the ( Read more... )

I had LASIK vision correction surgery performed on Friday ( Read more... )

I have developed a newfound appreciation for The White Stripes after watching "Under Great White Northern Lights". It is a must-see for any fan of rock music.

Exhibit A:

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I mean Holy Hell, this is what rock is about.  If Jack's bouncing around doesn't make you feel like doing the same, please check your pulse.  Sure, anyone can drum like Meg, but ( Read more... )

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A while back some people expressed interest in having a look at what my living space looks like nowadays.  Since I'm bored this evening, I'll oblige:

( Derecho's Crib )

Click the image below for some of the best African wildlife photography you can see today:


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This pretty much sums up the essence of the trouble I had with mathematics courses in college.  Things that made perfect sense in my mind, but just weren't right...

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Over the past couple of weeks I managed to chase Southern Pacific 4449 on both eastward and westward trips between Chicago and Durand, Michigan, a route that passes through my figurative backyard (meaning within a few hours drive).  And I managed to put in a few miles behind her, as well.  You can find small Flickr sets for each trip here:

Eastbound ( Read more... )

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