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I actually once met a woman on the bus on my way to school who had also done a chemistry degree there. We had a good chat about which kinds of chemistry were interesting, which were difficult, and how chemists really have a responsibility to the environment.

The best exchange, though, went something like this:

Her: "I had some really interesting professors, though... I bet they're all retired now."
Me: "Maybe not, I've had some that are fast approaching retirement. Who'd you have for inorganic?"
Her: "I can't remember his name. Who did you have?"
Me: "Professor L---."
Her: "OH! Did he make you memorize the periodic table? I just never saw the point of that, I mean, you could always just look it up, right?"
Me: "That's him all right."
Her: "He was pretty young when I had him, so he must be really old now."

Also: Currently in the depths of thesis hell, will not resurface for another little while; apologies for neglecting the flist, I'll make it up to you guys eventually.