Hi All,

I am an avid people watcher. I do it all the time, no matter where I am. Its a constant. So when in places where there are a great abundance of people, there is much to see and some of it, I wish I hadn't.

Yesterday I remembered a bit of humor that is on the SSA web site about how geo-scientists should dress for an emergency interview. It is one of the all time funniest pieces I've read. I had seen a scientist sitting in on a lecture I was attending and I very much wanted to have a moment to speak with him. However, unfortunately, he was doing something with his nose that one should not do in public. Frankly, my desire to approach him immediately disappeared as I could not imagine shaking hands with him. As this forum is read by some scientists, I would like to make an impression here, that some things are not socially accepted and the aforementioned is one of them.

My other not so important gripe which I think I shall pass along to the AGU was when late in the afternoon, very desirous of a cup of coffee and knowing the usual place what a considerable distance from the conference room, I found that coffee was available in the immediate area given freely to people "who were scientists." I was rather offended because I had to pay the same fee to attend as they did and in some cases of course they are there at the AGU's sponsorship and was told flat out because I was not a scientist that I was not entitled to enjoy a cup of coffee on the AGU. Oh gee wilakers!

Other than the above, it was a tremendously enjoyable event. Overall, probably the second best as the first experience may be my best one. It seemed this time the connecting links with others was far better than the past two years and we really did enjoy the company of Roger Musson. He is marvelously down to earth and that says a lot these days.

So until next year, its back to work.

Petra