Leaving Omaha at 7:15 and 34 °F to get to Phoenix to watch a 1:10 spring training game between the Cubs and Angels is very cathartic. It’s warm (90 °F) but wonderful. Survived first day without a sunburn. Now 2 more games and a day of exploring (or drinking by the pool).

When in San Juan, PR and you are looking to take a rum tasting and tour, look no further than Ron del Barrilito. The BACARDÍ is fine. It’s nice. But the Barrilito is far, far superior. Get to take an actual tour of the grounds (not a short golf cart ride). And the rum is So. Much. Better.

Takes me back to high school. Great movie and soundtrack.

El Batey in San Juan, PR

#Chemsky -- PhDs in Canada in chemistry--brief. Reskeets welcome. 🧵 Seeing that a lot of excellent US students are not receiving admission to PhD programs for...the obvious reasons...I want to make sure mentors, students, and advisors are aware that Canada might still be an option. 1/n

It is the kind of night where the favorite dog is not happy with where she has been banished. And banished because she was late to getting a spot.

That time again. Where my vast knowledge of winter sports is an advantage. Luge first and foremost. And then curling (which I’ve done). Glad the US mixed curling team won (2 Corey’s BTW - that don’t know how to spell), but Sweden didn’t take my advice on their last throw to their detriment.

Very chill kind of night.

My wife and I have this fun game while I’m grading med chem exams. I, sitting in our office, mumble “what in the world” at seeing an answer. And she, sitting in another room says “I heard that”.

Starting the 2nd season of The Pitt and they open with a song from The Clarks. Very Pittsburgh.

The Goonie (Crab Rangoon pizza) and The Guardian IPA at Vis Major Brewing Co. The best in Omaha.

You have got to be fucking kidding me!?! So, guns DO kill people. That’s their excuse now? Huh, I keep hearing something very different from the other crowd.

In this environment, maybe the best we could have hoped for. Still not a fan of the multi year funding, but could have been worse (could have been much better also, but that is a pipe dream).

You’re not making any friends Omaha.

A really (really) good album from an underrated band. The Old 97s. And a sleeping dog.

And why don't the Steelers have a QB? The answer is Tomlin. He's been mediocre for so long; producing mediocre teams and records. The time has come for a new coach.

Can this be the end of the Aaron Rodgers “experiment” in Pittsburgh (and what a way to end it). And, probably needs to be the end of the Tomlin era as well. Fresh start is needed, badly.

Pretty important article.

I don't think you non-science people realize what it takes to get a grant funded by NIH. Started experiments in Sept 2021 to generate 3 new mouse mutants to model human disease. Prelim dara shows they have relevant disease phenotypes worthy of study. Need a small grant first to characterize /1

There has never been an ad for any cruise where I think, “man, I want to go on a cruise”.

Merry Christmas (Eve)!

Now even my sleep scores are treating me like NIH reviewers. Apple Sleep: Reviewer #1. Garmin: Reviewer #3.

My buddies and I decided on starting a Fantasy Football league this year. First time for some (me) and not for others. I was relegated to the losers bracket but am playing for 7th place. Not too shabby.

Just got new policies/guidelines from the NIH for my study section. Can’t wait to be in the new category “Not Competitive Not Discussed”. Twist the knife even more.

Starting tomorrow- join us for the ultimate organic reaction bracket #ReactionRunoff hosted by the ACS Organic Division @organicdivision.org Round 1 from Dec 10-11 and new rounds every 2 days #ChemSky #ChemChat #AmplifyOrganic

Beer #2. This does not have broccoli.

First beer from the advent calendar.

Christmas cookies and The Smashing Pumpkins. An odd pairing.

High quality music right here.

Congratulations!

First snow of the season.

Watching all the turkey frying videos on TikTok tells me one thing - never trust a firefighter to deep fry your turkey. They are the worst.

Penny Mae.

Happy Thanksgiving Eve! Fresh Hop Frolic. Lumen Beer Co., Omaha.

The anniversary dessert. And the best dessert in the world (yes, world). Prantl’s Bakery (Pittsburgh, PA) burnt almond torte

Cool gift.

Getting ready for Thanksgiving and having a poor substitute for the real thing. Mac and cheese and corn.

Is there a better way to spend a sunny, 65 degree day than grading exams? Yes, many.

I’m simply not convinced we need protein coffee. Or, really, anything they keep putting protein in. Reminds me of the “no cholesterol” fad.

Beyond concerning that the CDC would have this on their website.

In August, NIH institute and center directors received this document entitled "Achieving NIH Mission: Leveraging Funding Policies". 1/6

Ugh.

Just got an email from the SRO of my study section and trying to reschedule the missed October study section to early- or mid-January 2026.

Pretty good listen.

This is some really nice work.

Even though I’m a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, this is the first time making it into Chemistry World. www.chemistryworld.com/careers/the-...

This took me 3 tries to finally get a copy that wasn’t so scratched (even with a VG+ rating). A 10/10 album. My favorite: Verdi Cries (close 2nd is A Campfire Song with Michael Stipe).

The movie that all horror movies are judged on. The best movie of the genre ever made.

A top 5 70’s album.