HW and I have a Turkish professor (Gunay) and Turkish research scientist (Seda)staying with us the last few days and they will be working with us 10 more days. HW and Gunay and Seda work with frozen natural gas (methane hydrate). Gunay has a picture of Seda holding a flaming piece of ice in her hands. Methane hydrate and the free methane beneath it could cause a catastophic change in climate if it gets into the atmosphere. It can also be a source of energy (burning it gives off CO2, which is changing the climate, but is less bad than methane).

I took Gunay down the Missouri River 25 km in my 3 person canoe (Seda declined). I said there would be a surprise at the end. I thought the surprise would be Turkish music and belly dancing, but just as we arrived at the boat ramp, at the absolute worst moment, there was a big memorial ceremony including scattering of ashes right next to the boat ramp.

We stayed for the Turkish music and belly dancing afterwards.

Chris