That's how I feel. I'm sick yet again. This time, it's a common cold, most likely caught last week while I was giving a series of guest lectures. I have neither then energy nor the enthusiasm to post full stories about the following:

1. Attending the funeral of my dear high-school friend, Ann.
   
2. Giving a series of guest lectures at a local middle ( Read more... )

I'm back home. For now. Where next? Kenya? Maybe ( Read more... )

My latest element acquisition needs no introduction.


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I'm spending too much of my money and too much of my time on this element collecting obsession I have. I love chemistry, but I am spending too much time on non-income-producing pursuits. If I don't buckle-down and get some consulting contracts, how can I afford to buy more elements?

Enough emo whining. On to the element pictures of the day:


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My friends, meet Bismuth.

First, a sample of native bismuth. It's almost all bismuth, with some of quartz sticking to it, but there's only a bit of metallic glint to be seen.


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Day 3 in Chicago ( Read more... )

The latest additions to my element collection:

A native silver wire in quartzite from Uchuc-chaqua Mine, Lima Department, Peru:


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Two more elements for my collection just arrived ( Read more... )

Well, that was a thrill-a-minute. :^/

Come on, people, show some spine! Put your money where your mouth is! Don't let me walk away with your prize just because I bid $5 more than you did!

*sigh* Well, to the victor go the spoils. I can check ruthenium off on my table. And what a beautiful sample too!

*does victory dance*

I'm engaged in the battle of my life. My opponent is a world-class competitor. I, tho long of tooth, am a n00b, so I can use advice.

So far, most of my ebay purchases have been "Buy It Now" items, or auctions that nobody else is particularly interested in buying. Not the case here. I want this, a big blob of Ruthenium. The Russian is offering this ( Read more... )