Hi Dennis,

Tazieff was one of the first people I attempted to find as I knew from Antonio that he was in Paris at the evaluation counsel meeting. For those who don't know, Haroun Tazieff lived a very fascinating life and loved to film volcanoes erupting, just like the Kratts who died at the Mt. Unzen eruption by a pyroclastic flow.

He died but left behind quite a legacy of his work and interests, however, his book Earthquake Prediction is currently out of print. From what I read about him, he seemed so full of enthusiasm for life and someone who would have proven to be a person anyone would have loved to spend an evening with. But he had a long life and died at age 83. I'm sure the scientific community must miss him greatly.

In thinking about Tazieff, it brought back the memories I had of spending an afternoon with Dr. Leon Knopoff at UCLA last July. It was an absolutely marvelous experience to be in his company. He would move about his office, which is not small by any means and explain one matter or another and from time to time would bring out materials that he had written. He stood at his green board and drew pictures for me of the fault rupture process and broke plastic forks as well. He's 73 and so full of life, there are few words to describe how wonderful he is. That was probably one of my best visits ever and it was at his invitation. He took me around and showed me the quarters there and introduced me to David Jackson. He was quite pleasant as well, but we only spoke briefly.

I can hardly believe it will be a year since I was there come next month, seems like a lifetime ago, but the memories are as fresh as yesterday.

From North of The Golden Gate...Petra