It's OK, I'm a Chemist

Monday, April 26, 2004

In conjunction with JBo's blog post from Friday April 9th, 2004, a photo history of the shocker and Dr. Wilczek.

The Tradition Begins - Chemistry Semi-Formal 2002

Chemistry Semi-Formal 2003

The End? Chemistry Semi-Formal 2004

Friday, April 23, 2004

Warning: this is the typical last week as an undergrad clog entry. Suffice to say, I'm suffering from senioritis. To be fair, I've pretty much have had it since last year when most of my University friends were graduating. How I've managed to maintain a decent GPA and my sterling good looks are beyond me. In fact, I was sure that I have dug myself into quite the hole last semester. Luckily I have incriminating photos of some of my professors - or rather their daughters. Actually one of my professors (Dr. Lennox - the one I'll be working for this summer) pulled me into his office and commented on the fact that he hadn't seen my in class at all that semester and then subsequently congratulated me on my A. Well enough ego-stroking for me... The point is, while I'm going to miss university, this last year has been somewhat anti-climactic. Well, except for the part with me streaking through the Shatner building. (Side bar: I just saw the hot Russian chick that worked next to me this past summer - *sigh*). But compared to years past, with my three hombres and me terrorizing chemistry events, this year was darn right dull. But there's always light at the end of the tunnel. You see, my last exam is Understanding Planet Earth (hell I've been on this planet for 22 years now, I should have a pretty good understanding of it) and I'm taking it pass/fail and so I've decided to replicate a stunt that I once heard about in the past. The idea is that you bring a bottle of alcohol and take a shot everytime you answer a question. Now, I might need to change the rules a little bit here because there are supposed to be like 22 multiple choice questions - I'm not a freaking alcoholic superman here - but the spirit shall remain the same. This might be my last and greatest chance at glory...

Saturday, April 17, 2004

Last night, I was elected as an associate member of the McGill-Montreal chapter of Sigma Xi, the scientific research society. To be honest, I wasn't sure what to expect from the ceremonies - though I was pretty sure some serious paddling and leather masks would be involved. Alas, such was not the case as only a mild pat on the rump was administered. Ah well... maybe next time. Anywho, a very pleasant evening was enjoyed including a stroll thought the McCord Museum, a talk about Dr. Frederick Soddy (one of two Nobel Prize winners in Chemistry having done their research at McGill) and dinner at LeCaveau (I had the duck). Anyways, it seems like this Soddy character was some sort of pimp with the femininas. This is conclusive proof of my previous clog entry (Thursday April 15th).

Friday, April 16, 2004

So it has come to my attention that the Guinness factory in England will be closed this summer and moved to Ireland. Some people seem upset about this. First of all, isn't Guinness supposed to be an Irish beer? Shouldn't it then be brewed in Ireland anyways? Second of all, Guinness tastes like ass. Well Glen, of all people shouldn't you enjoy Guinness due to your heritage. No! I'm Scottish, not Irish, you damn fools. I especially hate people who act like they're sophisticated for drinking Guinness. "Oh look at me, I drink Guinness. I know so much about beer. Tralalalala." Just because it doesn't taste good, doesn't mean it has a sophisticated taste. This phenomenom is similar to people who enjoy shitty music because they think that it makes them part of the underground culture and if you don't like their music, well, you're just a mainstream tool. Here's the deal: listening to shitty music and thinking it's cool makes you a hipster doofus. Same thing goes for Guinness. Now, I'm sure there are plenty of people who do genuinely enjoy a pint of Guinness - but it seems to me like everyone needs to have it anytime it's offered. It's almost unanimous opinion that Guinness is God's gift to mankind. Hell, we can't even get consensus on the Earth being round! Anyways, suffice to say, I don't like Guinness. If you want to offer me a beer, and I know you do, make it a Rickard's Red, a Sleeman's Silver Creek (especially if it's the summertime), or a Smithwick's. Alright, so that's it for now and, umm, don't do drugs.

Thursday, April 15, 2004

So, I've tried to supe up my blog (errr, clog) here so it at least is on par with everyone else's. Now that I've done that, I guess I'll add some content. This summer I'll be working for Dr. Lennox doing research on gold nanoparticles and it suddenly struck me that my education is finally helping me out. Now, now you might say. "What about improving your mind and becoming a better person?" Hogwash! Let's face it, the only reasons why I got an education was because: a) I'm not stupid and would get bored doing menial work and b) I want to do something that sounds impressive. When I mention that chemistry is my major, it is met with (at best) a rolling of the eyes. However, if I say that this summer I'll be working with gold (while other non-educated people get to work my grass and fertilizers), well let's justs say that the results are much better. Plus, if you act all interested in your work, like it's the most exciting thing ever to occur, for whatever reason, chixdiggit. I don't understand either, because more often than not, I bore myself when I talk about chemistry. Unless of course, it's sexual chemistry puns - like backside attack or the rigid rotor. So, this summer it's the study of the ligand exchange reaction on gold nanoparticles. If the research goes well, I might get 2nd author on a publication, which is even better because I can then claim I'm a published author to boot (take that all you english majors!). Oh, and my education also allowed me to get me a sweet position as a TA for the general chemistry lab and the classical methods of analysis lab (aka baby anal) over the course of the soon-ending school year. Man, whoever decided to put me in charge of students, especially freshmen girls, clearly hasn't been keeping in check with my past. Ahh, I'll never look at the reservoir the same way.

I present to you... the kegstand!

the joy of competition...

Wednesday, April 14, 2004

So in order to jump on the bandwagon, I too have created a blog... that's right, my very own black log. But since I'm caucasian, it will henceforth be known as my clog.