I've always enjoyed chemistry but as time goes
on I find more and more reasons to call it my favorite subject. The list of
reason is extensive, but here are some of the better ones: the absence of dull
moments when hangin with my fellow "Chemistry Campers" (in the words
Of Dr. Sally Ghizzoni), the great chats I have with the heart and soul of the
Chem. department (a.k.a Jill and Tracy from the stock room), and I can't forget
about all the cool drugs I've synthesized in lab (and no this isn't Breaking
Bad, synthesizing Aspirin and Ibuprofen is more my style). I didn't know it
could get much better, but today's organic chemistry lecture did just that; It
knocked all other reasons I've found down a notch on my list. Today's lecture
was no ordinary lecture... In order to celebrate the birthday of my chemistry
professor, the Great Dr. Jens Kuhn, our class had a special visit from the King
of Rock 'n' Roll himself. Many props to the chem. department and Jens' wife for
arranging the resurrection of Elvis Presley for his post-mortem debut
performance in my lecture hall this afternoon.
The harmonious performance by the kings (yes
plural) was a sound worth hearing and a sight no one would want to miss, and
lucky for me it took place in such an intimate venue; I never thought I'd be
able to see a performance of this caliber in a venue that only seated abut 80
adorning fans and groupies... who we can refer to as students on any other given
day.
After today's performance I was left a little
confused as to why Jens decided to pursue a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry rather
than a career in showbiz, but at least the man has something to fall back on if
he ever gets tired of teaching O-chem. He was a natural: effortlessly pullin
off those stunna shades while keeping the crowd roaring with those dance moves
of his. Apparently every year there is a new surprise for Jens' birthday: this
year Elvis arose from the dead, last year the Tooth Fairy bridged the gap
between our two realms to wish him a happy birthday, and I'm sure the years
before brought in some heavy hitters also.
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| The cake prior to me get my hands on it |
For the
encore performance the birthday man ditched the shades in order to lay down
some knowledge on stereochemistry and organic reactions. Concluding the show I
engorged myself with the delicious home baked cake that Jill whipped up for
Jens and others (told you the stock room Ladies are great!). I'm usually not a
huge fan of cake, but this cake was someth'n else! I guess this goes to show
that chemistry and baking aren't all that different after all.
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| Cake post Austin. They had to cut me off |
Good thing we got our midterms graded prior to
today's lecture (or should i say performance), otherwise I'm not sure if I
would be blogging this right now. I'll keep my fingers crossed that by the time
he's grading our next midterms this post will be a very distant memory of his.
Well all in all, Happy Birthday to the Man, the Legend, the All-Knowing Dr.
Jens Kuhn!
