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October 11, 2010
Back to Philadelphia
Posted by Derek
You know, on reflection, one of the things that probably has me feeling strange about being in Philadelphia for this conference is that it was here that I attended my first ACS national meeting. That was August of 1984, when I was just about to start my second year in graduate school. For all I know, I attended a session in this same Sheraton. All these hotel ballrooms look pretty much the same.
Twenty-six years ago! If I sit here and try to figure out how that happened, I won't have time to take any notes here in 2010. There were slide projectors pointed at the screens back then, not LCDs, and there sure weren't any laptops to be seen. But the rows of chairs under the gaudy chandeliers, those you could superimpose on 1984 with no change at all.
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1. Fries with That? on October 11, 2010 10:48 AM writes...
Take note of all the Failed Fragments, although, of course, Fragment screening is supposed to be far, far superior than that silly ole bone-headed high throughput screening stuff!
Permalink to Comment2. DV Henkel-Wallace on October 11, 2010 12:54 PM writes...
Three thoughts:
One: I have pretty much stopped going to the mega conferences, and just go to much smaller events. These usually have a much higher science focus, and more interesting papers. Plus you really can meet everyone there. Oh yeah, and they are generally in more interesting places!
Two: I have changed fields a few times and am amazed by the cultural differences of the conferences of the different fields. Even within medicine, the conferences in areas with less money in them are more fun than the ones where lots of dollars are at stake. The more dollars, the bigger the egos and the higher the density of people tangentially connected.
Three: My first comment notwithstanding: I bet you attend ACS now very differently than you did 26 years ago. You know more people. Presumably some people are interested in talking to you (26 years ago probably nobody sought you out). You have some sense of history and perspective, so can tell more easily which sessions and other things would be interesting. Etc.
Permalink to Comment3. MLBpitcher_and_MedicinalChemist on October 11, 2010 1:33 PM writes...
Yeah, it would be back to Philadelphia to play the Phillies in the NLCS if the Braves won against the Giants, Derek.
You pitched a good game in Game 1 of the NLDS, giving up only one run in 5 1/3 innings. But Tim Lincecum was better than you with his silder, getting 14 Ks and a shutout.
Congratulations on winning the National League Pitcher of the Month in September, Derek, with 29 Ks, 3 BB, an ERA of 1.77 and 5 wins in September. :)
Permalink to Comment4. Aspirin on October 11, 2010 1:34 PM writes...
Philadelphia sports-lovers are utter fanatics.
Permalink to Comment5. PhormerPhiladelphian on October 11, 2010 5:25 PM writes...
I believe that there were at least 40 vibrant pharma companies back in 1984, before the merger wave rendered a few mega-corps with pretentious-sounding hyphenated names. Anyway, be sure to stop by the Reading Terminal Market for Lunch. Also, if you're into Malaysian Food, the Penang in Chinatown (near the Friendship Gate) is just as good and a little cheaper than the one in Boston.
Permalink to Comment6. MLBpitcher_and_MedicinalChemist on October 11, 2010 11:06 PM writes...
Great September Derek, but you came way too short on October, losing both of your games against the Giants by only one run.
correction it should an ERA of 1.17 in September not 1.77.
Permalink to Comment7. Anonymous on October 15, 2010 10:10 PM writes...
Philly is arguably my favorite weekend destination. Being located in NJ, I have to say that Philly is way cool..south street., old city and the Edgar allen Poe area on the north side. Cool city... Just pack some heat LOL...just kidding.
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