John,

As they say hind sight is everything; but having foresight enough to investigate when something happens which may be unusual is what sets one ahead of another. How in the world is anyone going to make a "new discovery" if no one goes to look and see what there is to discover! Inasmuch as this type of event occurred before Northridge, I am at a loss to understand how anyone could be so pedestrian as not to investigate. It sounds apathetic. I think I'll go the same route I went with the other issue and find a college professor down there who teaches geology and likes to get out in the field and provide the information to him/her and let that person run with it. I'm not going to let it pass and have no one have a look see. This needs to be seen.

As for the instrument I suggested you look at, Ohlone, most of the time it flatlines and has for years. I know because I'm an avid watcher. So when it takes off and you see one quake and the behavior doesn't seem to be changing, then one should expect another and if watched closely if something larger than a 3.0 is about to occur, we might know about it ahead of time. That's why they are there. As to anyone making a prediction using one, I may just for the fun of it to see if it can be done. It never hurts to try. If the Calistoga Geyser worked for me once, maybe the Ohlone PBO will as well.

I guess that's the best part of not being a scientist, you don't get bogged down into all of that paper where everyone told you nothing meant anything and everyone argues over what's important and not. I see the world with fresh eyes everyday and I'm never disappointed. There is so much to see and understand and you guys seem to have been there and now its boring. I'm sorry about that. I love the excitement of going out into the field to see what's new and revisit what was there before and understand it as best I can.

Maybe when you get to Seattle you will see a new horizon and find life full of wonderment again. This will be something really good for you and in time what you'll do will benefit you and others greatly. Don't ask how I know, but I do.

Petra