Sciencemadness Discussion Board - 2019 Secret Santa

2019 Secret Santa

j_sum1 - 12-10-2019 at 22:09

Hey all. It is that time of year again for organising the annual Secret Santa. There was a bit of a debate last year as to whether this has become an official tradition. I think we can say that it is.
I am posting in Misc so that those members without access to whimsy can join in.

Here is the form to fill out:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1lxhzQg3MZ7sIAu15zBjWDWX5ESi...
(Let me know if I have missed anything obvious – I can edit and add to the form.)

I will keep registrations open til the end of October and send out info in the first couple of days of November. That gives six weeks or so to organise and send and have them delivered.
This thread is for comments, discussion and suggestions prior to registration closing.

A couple of things that are worthwhile saying

This is a chance to be nice to other SM members. It is not really the intention to complete your wishlist of expensive lab gear. It is intended to be low budget.
If you are on a tight budget but really want to be involved then let me know. I can match you up with someone in an equitable fashion.
I have included an option for if you wanted to send a small item off to more than one person. This has happened in the past and it was a really nice gesture.
We had a problem last year where a number of people felt a bit cheated when items arrived extremely late or not at all. If you choose to get involved you are committing to being nice to another member before the year is out. It does not need to be expensive but you do need to be true to your word.

j_sum1 - 14-10-2019 at 18:36

Bumping this so it appears in Today's Posts.

Take-up has been slow so far.
I am happy to have conversation in his thread.

arkoma - 15-10-2019 at 09:42

Ain't been real active for months, but this IS becoming tradition and I'm gonna be in again this year. It's a lot of fun.

SWIM - 15-10-2019 at 11:06

Is anybody up on the tariff and customs implications?

Are gifts exempt for some countries?

I'd hate to ship somebody an annoying customs bill because I didn't understand the local laws and how weight and declared value affects them.

Of course there are plenty of chemists here in the USA, but I wouldn't mind going international.

@j_sum1: I know, don't send any drying tubes to anybody in Australia.

I think I'll skip the idea of a baggie of unidentified powder for the recipient to analyze on any international shipment as well. That might be tough to explain adequately to the customs guys.

arkoma - 15-10-2019 at 12:50

@SWIM have both sent and received international packages. no problems

EDIT for Secret Santa

[Edited on 10-15-2019 by arkoma]

diddi - 15-10-2019 at 13:52

i have sent and received chemicals and minerals internationally with no issues. never had a parcel opened in either direction. that said i do label everything and declare with slightly 'loose' descriptions. eg "Hobby minerals cleaning kit" = nasty acids

arkoma - 18-10-2019 at 13:40

Shameless Bump

arkoma - 19-10-2019 at 16:31

BUMP

*edit* filled out my letter to Santa.

[Edited on 10-20-2019 by arkoma]

fusso - 19-10-2019 at 17:38

I don't really think this need to be bumped. It's already topped/pinned.

j_sum1 - 19-10-2019 at 18:04

Thanks for bumping, fusso.
A lot of people browse via the today's posts page. After 24 hours of inactivity in drops off.

I know there are numerous people who intend to join in but have not yet given enough time to thinking about what they might include on the sign-up form. A little reminder to keep it in the forefront of their thinking does not hurt.

Phosphor-ing - 19-10-2019 at 19:17

I look forward to this every year. I’m in.

arkoma - 19-10-2019 at 19:17

Why I have shamelessly bumped two days in a row. Not a spam thing as y'all know. I've really enjoyed participating the last two years

Metacelsus - 20-10-2019 at 07:09

Wow, so much bumping in this thread. You guys should really add some boiling chips

I'll participate this year.

arkoma - 21-10-2019 at 09:30

bump

fusso - 22-10-2019 at 07:17

Suggestion: what about adding a new part to the game, to have the receiver guess who the sender is?

j_sum1 - 22-10-2019 at 12:57

Quote: Originally posted by fusso

Suggestion: what about adding a new part to the game, to have the receiver guess who the sender is?

Have you never participated in a secret santa before?
You can join in if you want.

arkoma - 25-10-2019 at 11:26

bump

j_sum1 - 25-10-2019 at 16:05

Less than a week to register. Number is one below last year at this stage but not as high as the first couple of years. Bigger is not always better but I would hate for anyone who wants to to miss out on the fun.

There are a few people who have requested sending to their own local area but who don't have someone close. I will pair you up as best as I can.

This is shaping up to be a really fun one this year. (I get to see the back end and what people have written.) So make sure you sign up if that is your intent.

Phosphor-ing - 26-10-2019 at 15:46

Bump

elementcollector1 - 26-10-2019 at 19:05

Ha. I see that Super Santa option - I remember when I did that for one of the earliest SS's. It's actually a lot of fun!

I was a bit sparse on gift ideas this year - I'm financially in a good spot and currently pursuing other hobbies than just chemistry. Still, that just leaves an opportunity for my SS to be creative.

SWIM - 27-10-2019 at 17:16

Just filled out the form.

BTW: If I draw somebody English am I supposed to come by the day after Christmas for some sparring?

Seems I heard something once about how they like boxing on the 26th.

EDIT: Here in America, we spend the day returning stuff.

[Edited on 28-10-2019 by SWIM]

j_sum1 - 31-10-2019 at 02:38

Hey. It's the 31th here where I live. So sign up now if you are going to.
I am going to sort through the data on the weekend and give everyone a SS. So you only have a little bit if time left.

To all participants, look out for an email and U2U before the weekend finishes.

j_sum1 - 26-11-2019 at 21:45

Only one month to go! Well, less than that.
Which is to say, if you are relying on international postage, you are cutting it fine.

I have been sent a few tantalising U2Us and I know what I have been up to. I think there will be considerable joy around the tree on Christmas morning.
Merry Christmas everyone.

Phosphor-ing - 11-12-2019 at 05:28

I received my secret Santa last night!!! Can’t wait to open this gift. Favorite gift under the tree every year!

Texium - 19-12-2019 at 20:24

In the last week I have received not one but TWO packages addressed to me as Texium! How exciting! I also sent out my own gift, which should be arriving within the next two days. The post office gave me some grief about needing to put a real name on the package, and not knowing the actual name of my recipient, I had to make up a name on the spot. So if you receive a package from Texas addressed to an unfamiliar name, fear not!

Edit: Also, that incident at the post office got me thinking: it seems like it’s largely up to the person behind the desk whether they’ll require a “real” name on the package, as I’ve received plenty of packages via USPS that have been addressed to my username or only my first name, and yet I was required to put real names on the package that I sent. To make things easier, it might be a good idea to make a shipping name a required part of the secret Santa survey form. Of course, you wouldn’t have to put your real name on there, but it will prevent awkwardness at the post office, and ensure that everyone is getting the packages they’re supposed to.

[Edited on 12-20-2019 by Texium (zts16)]

j_sum1 - 19-12-2019 at 21:37

Happy opening Texium. I have some inside knowledge on yours and think you will love it.

Shipping name is a good idea. I will incorporate that next time.

I ama away from home at the moment but hear that some packages have arrived. Delicious anticipation.

arkoma - 20-12-2019 at 15:39

Santa knows I DO have a sense of humor. One-legged man and all..... The T-shirt was in with this LOVELY low actinic glass sep funnel. A thing of beauty!

And no, I don't wait til Xmas, being a bachelor with grown kids not close by, why not?

Isn't this year four of SS? Tradition status,

fusso - 20-12-2019 at 22:14

Waht make post office staff to asj for the recipient's real names? Provided the address is right the post office can still deliver it to the right address, just not necessary that exact person, and it really doesnt matter who's receiving it, if it isnt some confidential/legal docs right? And they can still ask for it if the post is declared to be some confidential/legal docs so they can ensure the post is delivered to the correct person right? and even if the name is fake then the liable person (goods return etc) will be the address owner/whoever signed right? Fake name/pseudonym is for privacy reasons (sex toys for example), dont they know?

Texium - 21-12-2019 at 08:52

Well, after doing some research it appears that the lady at my post office was full of it. Everything I can find online from actual post office employees and otherwise says that it’s fine to send a package with no names- or even no return address at all! The USPS even explicitly states that packages will be delivered even if the name on the package is different than known residents! (Source: https://faq.usps.com/s/article/Refuse-unwanted-mail-and-remo... ) Man I wish I had found that FAQ when I was at the post office the other day. Could’ve wiped that condescending look right off her face.

Shipping

MadHatter - 22-12-2019 at 04:42

I have shipped AND received equipment internationally
without problems: Canada, U. K., Sweden. Compounds
Interstate only - no point in raising red flags.

SWIM - 22-12-2019 at 13:31

Quote: Originally posted by Texium (zts16)

In the last week I have received not one but TWO packages addressed to me as Texium! How exciting! I also sent out my own gift, which should be arriving within the next two days. The post office gave me some grief about needing to put a real name on the package, and not knowing the actual name of my recipient, I had to make up a name on the spot. So if you receive a package from Texas addressed to an unfamiliar name, fear not!

Edit: Also, that incident at the post office got me thinking: it seems like it’s largely up to the person behind the desk whether they’ll require a “real” name on the package, as I’ve received plenty of packages via USPS that have been addressed to my username or only my first name, and yet I was required to put real names on the package that I sent. To make things easier, it might be a good idea to make a shipping name a required part of the secret Santa survey form. Of course, you wouldn’t have to put your real name on there, but it will prevent awkwardness at the post office, and ensure that everyone is getting the packages they’re supposed to.

[Edited on 12-20-2019 by Texium (zts16)]

I figured there was a problem like that when I received a big old package addressed to "Sam Wim'. (fighting the urge to open it early)

I addressed by username except where customs regs required a real name. I didn't give any thought to the return address though.
I just automatically filled it out the way I always do.

It's just a happy coincidence that I always use a false name.

SWIM - 25-12-2019 at 18:29

Just opened a big old box to find a remarkable selection of chems and glassware.

Numerous organic precursors and reagents. A very useful selection.
Even some Aluminum chloride. (It's FC time. Or maybe demethylation time

)

Threw in some nice 14/20 glassware too.

Thanks Santa!

Now I'll have to come up with some reactions worth posting to show them off.

@Arkoma, yeah, I'm stoked.

Looks like you got red stuff this year. Maybe green next year will even it out.

[Edited on 26-12-2019 by SWIM]

arkoma - 25-12-2019 at 18:37

Heck, this my third year participating in SS, and I started getting antsy in August this year waiting for it. I've gotten thoughtful gifts, and I like the giving at least as much or more. Santa has fulfilled a strange request or two........

*edit* SWIM--that is dang sure some cool stuff.

[Edited on 12-26-2019 by arkoma]

Phosphor-ing - 25-12-2019 at 19:39

I received 4 separate packages this year!!!! I almost couldn’t contain myself. My wife even asked how much this secret Santa thing was costing us! Best year ever for this. I’m like Arkoma I start getting antsy, thinking about this, every year WAY before the Christmas season.

Texium - 26-12-2019 at 14:06

Quote: Originally posted by SWIM

Just opened a big old box to find a remarkable selection of chems and glassware.

Numerous organic precursors and reagents. A very useful selection.
Even some Aluminum chloride. (It's FC time. Or maybe demethylation time

)

Threw in some nice 14/20 glassware too.

Thanks Santa!

Now I'll have to come up with some reactions worth posting to show them off.

On my end, I received two packages—a cheerful red sep funnel to match arkoma, and from the forum redneck himself, a 16th edition CRC handbook from 1931! Wow! I’d never even seen one that old in person, and 16 is my lucky number, so I’m really happy to have it. They’ve expanded the handbook a bit over the past 88 years, that’s for sure!

CA2AC95F-977B-420B-91E9-72C4FD1B2527.jpeg - 420kB

FCCEE86D-D34A-4916-AC37-F0E0A006770C.jpeg - 400kB

D2721FFA-92CF-4FDE-9230-2736D070C369.jpeg - 271kB

arkoma - 26-12-2019 at 20:36

you'll need those logarithm tables........LOL

j_sum1 - 26-12-2019 at 21:36

Quote: Originally posted by arkoma

you'll need those logarithm tables........LOL

The story goes that after the ark landed, Noah commanded all the animals to go forth and multiply.
A little while later, a couple of snakes came to see Noah and said that they were having great difficulty doing the deed. Noah inquired as to why they were having so much difficulty mulriplying and the snakes explained that they were adders.

After some thought, Noah retreated into the ark and came back with the first edition of the CRC handbook which he presented to the snakes. He then sent them off to try again.

Months passed and Noah went round to check on all the animals. When he visited the snakes he was delighted to discover lots of little snakes all over the place. So he asked the snakes, "How did you adders manage to multiply so successfully?"
One of the snakes replied, "We discovered we could do it by logs."

CharlieA - 27-12-2019 at 18:04

groan..........
arggggghhhhhhhh........
good one

mayko - 31-12-2019 at 22:36

Santa kindly left me a sturdy looking 365 nm UV LED flashlight! I've only ever used 400 nm ones, so I'm learning all sorts of new things, like that coffee is fluorescent, and that everything around me is covered in lint.

IMG_20191227_collection_visible.jpg - 138kB

Tonic water, UV responsive fluorite, scorpions in alcohol, a lichen, orange oil, zinc sulfide, fluorescein, curcumin, and a stick of hot glue

IMG_20191227_orangeLichen_Vis.jpg - 124kB

Closeup on the lichen & orange oil

Thanks!

Tdep - 1-1-2020 at 07:47

Hi mayko, that was from me! I hope you didn't mind the Amazon drop ship. I hope it's okay quality, you can never know when looking at them online.
I was really impressed with your webcam spectrometer project, and I was wondering about the possibility of you using the UV torch with the spectrometer, to perhaps obtain some cool fluorescence spectra. I think it came with a UV short pass, unsure it that is any good. If you give it a shot, make sure you post the results here, I think it.could perhaps be a useful lab tool!

I received a very rad package from someone whose name I don't recognise! Thanks very much for some very cool vintage glassware. Includes a Sep funnel from West Germany, some Bunsen burners and one of the strangest bits of glassware I've ever seen.

Does anyone know... What this is? I like it.
Thanks j_sum1 for organising it this year!

CharlieA - 1-1-2020 at 17:01

Looks like a small scale reaction vessel. The large size joint would make cleaning a mess of gunk out of the reaction vessel (the round-mouthed bottom). Isn't that Kontes logo on the neck? May be you could find it on their website if they have an on-line catalog.
Happy New Year

Chemetix - 1-1-2020 at 18:04

Hi Tdep, the package was from me, glad you like it.

I have someone here in melb who makes arduino based instruments. A quite advanced little spectro if you want to know more I can get you in touch.

j_sum1 - 1-1-2020 at 19:31

The secret bit of secret santa seems to be too taxing a concept for us this year. Hilarious.

I suggest next year we do a "Marginally Anonymous Santa" instead of ss.

[Edited on 2-1-2020 by j_sum1]

Chemetix - 1-1-2020 at 20:23

I guess its a case of Australians and their respect for orthodoxy...rules are there to be interpreted with a sense of creativity.

arkoma - 2-1-2020 at 00:19

aw heck it was ALL I COULD DO to not tell, and I'm not exactly sure who Santa was this year.

j_sum1 - 2-1-2020 at 02:04

Mine arrived today. I will post details and photos later. Suffice to say, I am stoked. Lovely choices. And good educational value too; which is what it will probably be used for.

At some stage over the weekend I will send out a bulk email just to find out if everyone has received something or if items are still stuck in transit.

j_sum1 - 5-1-2020 at 19:58

Mystery element to identify. As a first guess I will say Mo: it has the right kind of twanginess for Mo foil. I'll drop some in some peroxide and see what happens.
Also some Ge. Missing from my element collection for a while.
And some raw sapphires. My kids were most impressed.
I'm going to have some fun with these.

arkoma - 6-1-2020 at 08:20

Santa came AGAIN today. Wow. Got some lumps of coal (really, including a piece of "peacock" coal), some airlocks, distillers yeast (for preparation of reagent grade ethanol, I'm sure), some samples of silicon and cadmium, some freshwater mussel shells (I love local stuff!!), some Sichuan pepper oil (LOVE hot food too) and a couple other odd chems. Santa, thanks for the CAS# on the one mua-ha-ha.

ScienceMadness is the Greatest "Social" site on the Net!

*edit* @KaintuckSanta---good clue to figure out "mystery" substance, but I did cheat and look up the CAS#. But that is probably EXACTLY what I'm going to do with, and use the clue.

[Edited on 1-6-2020 by arkoma]

SWIM - 6-1-2020 at 14:31

Quote: Originally posted by j_sum1

Mystery element to identify. As a first guess I will say Mo: it has the right kind of twanginess for Mo foil. I'll drop some in some peroxide and see what happens.

I still wonder how you would have explained that package to customs:

"Well, I don't know what it is. I don't know who sent it to me either."

I bet they would have gotten a little surly.

Or did the customs slip say what it is and you're just not reading it to preserve the mystery?

j_sum1 - 6-1-2020 at 15:01

The customs slip said metal foil. It all fitted in a standard envelope so probably was not treated as a package anyway. It certainly was not opened. And if there had been questions to answer, I would simply have told them what I know. There was a hint in the accompanying letter that would have helped in the explanation.

And in my case, I do know who sent it. One of the perks of organising this thing.

I do think it is possible to be overly paranoid about justifying purchasing and shipping of chems and equipment. Western nations at least do have an underlying philosophy that allows people freedom to do what is reasonable and the laws reflect this. In Aus, there is not much related to this hobby that is illegal to purchase, own and use. Because LEO are continually on the hunt for drug cooks you might occasionally need to give a reasonable explanation for some items. I doubt a piece of foil would ever be on that list though.

arkoma - 7-1-2020 at 08:40

I've had some pretty "dodgy" (as in not matching what was actually in the package) things written on customs forms of stuff sent to me. The chinese are real bad about BS'ing on customs forms. BUT, never had any problems.