| ChemLine |
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| Marion Johnson 563-243-5350 | A publication of |
| Secretary | The Illinois-Iowa Section of |
| marjoh@clinton.net | The American Chemical Society |
| October 2003 |
OCTOBER MEETING
Tuesday, October 7, 2003
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Location |
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St. Ambrose University |
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Times: 6:30 – 7:30 PM |
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Iowa Machine Shed 7250 Northwest Blvd. Davenport IA
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8:00 – 10:00 PM |
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Business Meeting and Program: “Absinthe: A Chemical and Artistic History” Media Room, O’Keefe Library St. Ambrose University |
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Reservations: |
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Member/Guest: Order from the menu, separate checks with gratuity added. (Please note the sponsor-a-Student Program below.) |
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Deadline for Meal Reservations: Monday, October6th before noon. Also note if you are participating in the Sponsor-a-Student program. Contact Dr. George Bailey (563-333-6127) |
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Sponsor-a-Student: We are again looking for volunteers to sponsor a college student at the October meeting. Your part is to pay the meal cost of one student – or ask your employer to pay the cost – and spend the social and dinnertime visiting with the student that you are matched with. Whether you are currently employed, retired, or between jobs, you have much to offer to a student planning a science-based career. Additionally, after this brief mentoring experience you will likely find that you too have gained a lot. Please take part by signing up when you make your dinner reservation with George Bailey.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
James F. O'Brien was born in Philadelphia. He received a B.S. in chemistry from Villanova University and a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Minnesota. Following postdoctoral work at the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory in New Mexico, Dr. O'Brien joined the faculty at Southwest Missouri State University. In 1992, Dr. O'Brien received the Southwest Missouri State University Excellence in Teaching Award; in 1994, he received the university's Excellence in Research Award; and in 1996, the university named him Distinguished Scholar. His recent interests have centered on molecular orbital calculations of the properties of organometallic and inorganic species. He also devotes time to studying the history of chemistry.
ABSTRACT
Absinthe is the only individual alcoholic drink ever banned anywhere in the world. In the early 20th century, consumption rose to astonishing levels, particularly in France. The effect of absinthe is so potent that several nations, including the US, made its sale or importation a crime. Numerous artists have used absinthe as a subject in their paintings. A number of these paintings will be shown and discussed, including the famous work of Degas. Works by artists such as Manet,Latrec, Van Gogh, Gauguin, Picasso, and others will be shown as well. A number of writer's were known absinthe drinkers as well. This list includes Hemingway, the French poet Verlaine, Oscar Wilde, and, perhaps, Edgar Allan Poe. The chemical agent believed responsible for the hallucinogenic effects of absinthe is thujone. Discussion of its effect as well as a comparison of its chemical structure to other known hallucinogens will be given. Absinthe has recently been making a comeback in countries where it was never banned, such as England.
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
Oh boy, here comes National Chemistry Week! The excitement continues with the theme “Earth’s Atmosphere and Beyond.” Several projects are brewing. More information on these will be presented by our National Chemistry Week chairperson at the meeting. This month will find us meeting at St. Ambrose. Our host is George Bailey. Our program will feature Dr. James O’Brien with a look at chemical history. I’ll see you in Davenport.
Alan
CHEMISTRY OLYMPIAD
As we go to press, there is still time to volunteer to host Chemistry Olympiad 2004. If you are interested, please contact Dr. Alan Abbott, (309) 852-5671, or abbotta@bhc.edu.
NATIONAL CHEMISTRY WEEK
Many exciting activities are underway in celebration of National Chemistry Week. In fact, Chairperson, Jerod Corbin has received so many requests for monetary support; he has been soliciting funding from outside sources to meet the need. If you would like to contribute, please contact Jerod at (563) 243-3943, or sethnesslab@revealed.net.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
The next meeting will be held Tuesday, November 4th at Grain Processing Corporation, hosted by Rich Craddick. The speaker is Badal Saha from USDA-ARS. The topic is “Fuels and Chemicals From Biomass: Challenges and Opportunities.”
The December meeting will be held at
The tour speakers and schedule for 2004 includes:
March: J. Patrick Hannan
April: Glen Roy
October: Paul & Brendon Cohen
November: Norman Hackerman
We are requesting hosts and sites for these events. Please contact Jerod Corbin at (563) 243-3943, or sethnesslab@revealed.net.
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