I would agree, but thats the way science works. There are some in the scientific community that are most vocal, and who speak the loudest, against earthquake prediction. One of those, Bob Geller who is a professor at the university of Tokyo, is on record with this position. He has also been very active evaluating the VAN methodology. His goal, which is a good goal in itself, is preparation and he would rather see all funds directed towards preparation and away from prediction. I wonder if that is his real goal though. I somehow get the impression that he is working on prediction himself and is doing everything he can to discount everybody else. Hopefully I am wrong in thinking this. --- Dennis