I think I realized today during my Biochem test that a lot of why I do well in school is attributable to 1. remembering insane details and 2. BS.

Example: The first question on the biochem test showed three chemical structures. I thought the first one was an antibiotic, the second was a dye for DNA, and the last one was this kind of fake sugar that "turns on" a gene. The first one I thought was called ampicillin, the second I knew was called ethidium bromide, but the last - it was something the teacher had completely passed over in class. It was barely mentioned in the book. It wasn't important at all. It's along the lines of asking in a history class "What fiber was Abe Lincoln's trademark hats made out of?"

But somewhere in my brain came the letters IPTG. What the heck? In any case I put them down and went on with the test.

But then while checking my answers I realized the question specified "no abbreviations!" Well dang it.

But I noticed the chemical structure had an isopropyl group. That's probably the IP then. There was a sulfur atom, and sulfur things tend to be called "thio". That could be T. And the sugar base was a galactose. So I called it "isopropyl thiogalactosyl."

When I got back home, turns out it's called "isopropylthiogalactoside" which makes my answer a very good BS.

Besides tests and homework and an essay I have done nothing of interest this week. Becky has left for Puerto Rico already - one of her friends from freshman year lives there and she's finally getting to visit. Kim leaves tomorrow to play in the pep band for the first round of the NCAA. And I'm planning on some good TV watching and relaxing over vacation! Except for doing Transport homework (which is due the Monday I come back!!) and studying for the Transport test that's the Wednesday after I come back. I refuse to study for the Biochem extra credit quiz that's the Tuesday I come back. That week is going to be so busy, it's unfair.

In any case, I'd better get to bed because even though it's almost spring break that doesn't mean I don't have class at the crack of dawn tomorrow.